Arayat, Pampanga – Governor Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda instructed the police authorities in hte province and the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office PDRRMO) to empower village officials for disaster preparedness and make necessary move to prevent any unnecessary incidentss in times of calamities especially during rainy season.
Police Senior Superintendent Edgardo Tinio, director of provincial police office (PPO) disclosed that Gov. Pineda wanted to strengthen the capabilities of barangay captains, kagawad and barangay tanod in water search and rescue operations as they serve as first responders and frontliners during calamities.
“Gov. Pineda instructed the PNP to conduct trainings to the barangay officials in order to form their own rescue team”, Tinio said.
Tinio stated the barangay officials should be responsible in dealing with their constituents who refused evacuation in the midst of danger.
“The problem during calamities is that residents are difficult to uproot from their community despite danger. During this time, we rely on barangay captains to convince them”, said Tinio.
On the other hand, the 703rd Brigade of Philippine National Army based in this town conducted inspection in Mt. Arayat to monitor the risk areas which are vulnerable to landslides and erosion.
According to Brigade Executive Officer Bernardo Oña, they suspected possible landslide on some areas and they already advised the residents at the foot of the mountain to relocate immediately especially during heavy rains.
“We have vacated the administration building in our camp and coordinated with barangay officialsn for the preparation of the old building and facilities in the Arayat National Park to serve as evacuation centers”, he said.
Meanwhile, Gov. Lilia Pineda appealed to the people residing in the identified danger zones to listen, follow and act quickly should authorities advise them to vacate their homes and places.
“We should listen to warnings. Lets us avoid returning to places considered as danger zones to prevent accidents during calamities”, the governor said.
Aside from trainings, the governor distributed boats for coastal barangays and patrol tricyles that can be used during evacuation and rescue operations. (Jenna Lumbang, PIO Pampanga)
