Iloilo: Local government units (LGUs) in Iloilo are ready and equipped to respond in times of calamities, the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO) assured on Tuesday. In an interview, PDRRM officer Cornelio Salinas stated that this preparedness was achieved through a series of capacity-building and training initiatives designed to prepare volunteers and disaster risk reduction and management officers (DRRMOs) for effective calamity response, alongside the availability of necessary equipment.
According to Philippines News Agency, Salinas emphasized the support provided to municipal DRRMOs, highlighting that the provincial government is prepared to augment resources when necessary. The municipal disaster risk reduction and management (MDRRM) councils, comprising civil society organizations, local, and national government agencies, are tasked with responsibilities ranging from disaster preparedness to rehabilitation and recovery.
To assess these capabilities, the province plans to hold a Rescuelympics either in August or September this year. This event will act as a simulation exercise to evaluate the practical application of training received by rescuers, volunteer groups, and DRRM officers, particularly in life-saving and injury mitigation scenarios.
In conjunction with the National Disaster Resilience Month in July, LGUs have been conducting various activities. The town of Banate hosted a simulation exercise focusing on camp coordination and management, while the municipality of Dumangas provided training on community-based disaster risk reduction management. Additionally, in June, the provincial government conducted a simulation exercise on disaster preparedness specifically for a strong earthquake.
Salinas also reported that continuous heavy rainfall led to flooding in seven barangays in the municipalities of Ajuy and San Dionisio on Monday, affecting 53 families or 238 individuals. Due to the frequent heavy rains, a request will be made to Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. for the prepositioning of relief goods in the provincial storage facility in the municipality of Mina to ensure rapid deployment in case of emergencies.
