CDRRMO says city prepared for rainy season
The city government spearheaded by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) under Antonette Anaban is leaving no stones unturned by taking proactive measures in preparation for any possible hazards that may occur in the Summer Capital now that the typhoon season has arrived.
In a media forum, June 29, at City Hall, Local DRRM Officer III Louie Glen Lardizabal said that it is a regular practice of the CDRRMO to check and ensure that their equipment are functioning properly to full capacity especially those for communications since these are used to coordinate with the barangays and members of the DRRM Council.
“Our office regularly monitors weather conditions especially in cases when there are disturbances and conducts regular Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment where we assess the preparatory capabilities of DRRM council members so we will know what needs to be strengthened,” he said.
Personnel of the City Engineering and General Services Offices engage in the regular clean-up of waterways in the city’s flood-prone sites especially at the lagoon area together with barangay officials to prevent any flooding caused by heavy rainfall, Lardizabal added.
“Mayor Benjamin Magalong has sent a memorandum to all barangay officials directing them to inspect their respective jurisdictions for any harmful elements like dead trees that may cause harm to life and property and immediately report these to the City Environment and Parks Management Office or the CDRRMO for proper response measures,” he said.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office has already prepositioned food packs in preparation for the rainy season and is now preparing these at the lagoon area evacuation center just in case Tropical Depression ‘Caloy’, which is currently moving away from the country, will change course, Lardizabal said.
Presently, he disclosed that simultaneous DRRM trainings are ongoing with representatives from the barangays, non-government organizations, national government agencies including the local government as part of the city’s preparations for incidents that may occur during typhoons and other hazards.
The CDRRMO has conducted, months back, several seminars with City DRRM Council members and formulated contingency plans for earthquake, hydrometeorological hazards, and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. – Gaby B. Keith
