Laoag City—In preparation for the coming rainy season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Resiliency Council (PDRRMRC) will discuss the reconfiguration of evacuation centers in the province to ensure minimum health standards are implemented.
“Next week, may meeting ang PDRRMRC upang talakayin angconfiguration ng mga evacuation centers dito sa probinsya. Parte ito ng ating paghahanda sa pagsisimula ng habagat o rainy season. Mostly kasi ng evacuation centers ng iba’t-ibang bayan ay nagamit na bilang quarantine facility,” local disaster risk reduction management officer IV Marcell Tabije said.
If severe weather conditions hit the province, Mr. Tabije explained that alternative evacuation centers should be sufficiently equipped to comply with the minimum health protocols such as social distancing, wearing of face mask, and establishment of hand sanitation areas.
Moreover, component local government units (LGUs) of Ilocos Norte have developed integrated drainage and flood control projects, after severe tropical storm ‘Ineng’ inundated the province last year leaving PHP1.2 billion in damages in infrastructure and agriculture.
“Isa rin sa mino-monitor natin ngayon ay angprogress ng mga flood mitigation programs ng ating mga LGUs nang sa ganoon ay hindi na maulit ang matinding pagbaha dito.
“Ang maganda rin ay may collaboration between and among PGIN at contractors’ associations. Tinutulungan tayo sa clearing and repairing of waterways in case na may masira,” Mr. Tabije expounded.
Advancing its efforts for disaster preparedness, various PGIN “cash-for-work” programs are tailored for the implementation of flood control programs and maintenance of environment cleanliness.
Overall, Mr. Tabije assured: “Sa ngayon masasabi natin naready na ang mga cities at municipalities natin kung may darating na malakas na ulan o bagyo.” (Blessing Angel V. Agliam)