BATANGAS CITY – Local disaster risk reduction and management offices (LDRRMOs) in Batangas province have convened to tackle human-induced hazards and risks posed by terrorism, as part of their intensified disaster preparedness, management and response action plans.
According to Batangas public information office chief Jenelyn A. Aquilera, the concerns and issues on terrorism were among the planning conference topics during the 2nd Quarter assembly of the Batangas Association of LDRRMOs (BALDRRMO), which covered a holistic approach in addressing hazards and dangers posed by both natural and human-induced disasters.
Aguilera said the assembly held on May 25 also tackled hydrological and meteorological (hydromet) hazards or preparedness for a typhoon or severe weather disturbance; massive flooding and landslides; earthquake hazards; volcanic eruption; fire and industrial hazards.
She said that the assembly also called on the LDRRMOs from the three cities and 31 towns to draft their plans, programs and disaster operations concerns in their respective jurisdictions.
LDRRMOs were also tasked to submit their list of pre- identified open areas or expansive sites, which could serve as evacuation areas or relocation sites in the event of a calamity or disaster, operation centers and Airlift Operations Centers for chopper emergency touch-down and flight operations.
Meanwhile, Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Chief Joselito M. Castro said that plans are afoot for their preparations and activities in connection with the 2nd National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) this June, as well as the activity highlights in observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month in July.
Castro said that the activities, drills and simulations are timely, especially for the opening of classes in public schools nationwide because students and the school administration, faculty and staff could participate.
He said agency partners like the Philippine Red Cross, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the private sector have expressed their participation and engagement in the DRRM activities, not only in Batangas but also in the entire Calabarzon Region which comprises Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.
He added that the July activities will also demonstrate to the public the skills and expertise of various professional uniformed rescue officers in the five Calabarzon provinces as they perform Emergency Rescue Demonstrations and showcase the Static Displays on the latest technology and rescue equipment.
Batangas City DRRM Officer Rodrigo dela Roca also led the LDRMMO officers and members in their local updating sessions for contingency plans for their identified emergency hazards. (Saul Pa-a/PNA)
