Acting Cebu gov. convenes PDRRMC to ensure readiness during disasters
By Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) -- Acting Cebu Governor Agnes Magpale this morning convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) at the Legislative Building inside the Provincial Capitol premises.
Over 20 representatives of national government agencies, non-government organizations and the private sector as well as some local officials joined the meeting despite the short notice last night.
“Though PAGASA has already declared the dissipation of the typhoon at 8:00 this morning, nonetheless, I did not call off the meeting as I also want to meet all of you,” opened Magpale of the meeting she presided.
Magpale who just recently assumed the role of acting governor, said she wanted to be briefed on the respective roles of the agency members and ensure the readiness of the PDRRMC in times of calamities and other emergency situations.
The Provincial Social Welfare Office (PSWO) reported during the meeting that there are enough stocks of relief goods for distribution to affected victims in case of disaster.
“In fact, the office continues to validate the list of families affected by recent Typhoon Pablo and that under processing are financial assistance” requested by some municipalities in the south severely affected by the typhoon, said Wilson Ramos of the PSWO.
Among the relief goods on hand cited by Ramos are rice, canned goods, blankets, noodles, coffee and powdered milk while for non-food items are blankets, mosquito nets, assorted kitchen wares, pail and cooking pots.
Dr. Cristina Giangco, chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office also assured Magpale that there are sufficient medical supplies and medicines in case of calamities. “These supplies are in the district hospitals,” bared Giangco.
The AFP-Central Command and the Cebu Provincial Police Office on the other hand, committed manpower resources especially in search and rescue operations.
Utilities sector represented by the VECO and PLDT also reported on their actions in case of typhoons. For the case of VECO, it said it would immediately reactivate its typhoon contingency teams for the immediate repair and restoration of power lines.
Magpale who admitted that presiding over the PDRRMC is new to her said she is confident that the PDRRMC is ready and prepared in case calamities would hit the province having listened to the responses and actions of each member agency. (PIA 7)