The Laoag City Government intensified its disaster preparedness efforts by strengthening its emergency response structure and expanding early warning capabilities, particularly in communities vulnerable to coastal hazards.
As part of the initiative, Mayor James Bryan Alcid reported that the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) have been merged to improve coordination and facilitate a faster response during emergencies and disasters.
According to Alcid, integrating the two offices together aims to streamline operations and reduce delays when emergencies occur.
“The ALISTO (QUICK) RESPONSE pet program of my administration had taken shape. We were able to establish a stable, advanced and highly reliable organisational structure in disaster and emergency responding,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Meanwhile, around PHP7 million has been allotted for the installation of a centralized early warning system in coastal areas.
Dr. Melvin Manuel, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said that “an effective warning system gives communities valuable time to prepare, secure property and, when necessary, evacuate to safer areas.”
The city government likewise established a 24/7 operation center in Barangay Cabungaan to help identify hazards, prepare communities, establish warning mechanisms and ensure that responders are ready before a crisis occurs.
Aside from technology upgrading, Manuel said that demonstration drills are being conducted every month as part of the city’s strengthened disaster preparedness.
During the drill on Tuesday, residents are reminded and informed of warning signals and evacuation routes, while encouraging them to participate in drills and other preparedness activities.
By combining emergency response functions and strengthening early warning capabilities, Laoag, in collaboration with other national and provincial linkages, is working toward a more coordinated disaster management system, Manuel said. (PNA)