Balanga City rescue beefs up disaster prep

Contributed By Mar Jay Delas Alas, PIA – Bataan

 BALANGA CITY, Bataan – As the country sets for another rainy season, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) of Balanga has ensured their members are highly equipped and prepared in times of calamities.

Just recently, the council held a two-day seminar dubbed Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) at Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

According to Engr. Dennis Mariano, head of the City Public Safety Office, the city government must have the capability to respond to all sorts of challenges, including emergency situations and natural disasters.

The participants engaged in the basics of disaster preparedness wherein Glenn Diwa of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Region 3 tackled RDANA, while Carlo Eleponga of Olongapo CDRRMC and Sherwin Rosales of Tarlac DRRMC discussed basic pre-disaster planning. OCD-Region 3 Director Edgardo Ollet lauded Balanga City’s efforts to support safer communities.

Balanga City has devised a massive flood control mechanism to prevent a repeat of the worst floods experienced in the Bataan capital. CDRRMC stated that it continues to maintain the flood control masterplan and ensures the community is safe and ready especially when a typhoon hits the province. Members also discussed proactive measures that address citizens’ concerns on disasters.

Recently, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced the country’s shift from the dry to the wet season.