PDRRMC: La Union is Ready to Respond to Local, Tourist Emergency this Vacation
By: Geraldine B. Salazar-Lucero, PIO | Photos By: Vince Aguinaldo, PIO | Date: March 28, 2023
The resiliency of the province remains to be the top priority of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) chaired by Gov. Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David, as discussed during the recently conducted PDRRMC 1st Quarter Meeting on March 28, 2023, at the La Union Peace, Order, and Safety โ Emergency Operations Center, City of San Fernando, La Union.
Aligning with the PDRRMC's objective to strengthen the province's disaster management and emergency response, council members composed of the Provincial Government of La Union emergency response offices led by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Local Government Units, and Emergency Response Agencies discussed their operation strategies and preparation for this coming Holy Week and Summer Vacation (SUMVAC) where influx of locals and tourists are anticipated in La Union for leisure and recreation.
PDRRMO through Mr. Michael Angelo Dy Yaco laid their Oplan SUMVAC highlighting their well-trained responders, equipment, assets, and vehicles for possible rescue and emergency operations. It was also mentioned that the PDRRMO has already upgraded their alert level to Red Alert status in line with the observance of the Holy Week and SUMVAC.
The Philippine Coast Guard also discussed their SUMVAC operation and how well they are equipped to watch over the beaches and coastal areas of the province. Plans on road safety and security of travelers and tourists were presented by the Philippine National Police. On the other hand, the Bureau of Fire and Protection reported on the success of activities conducted for Fire Prevention Month Celebration.
In view of the Province's emergency response, Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Board Member Gerard Ostrea, Chairman of the Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Management and Relief Services; and Committee of Peace and Order and Public Safety, raised a concern about the alarming number of prank callers at La Union 911 Emergency Hotline. Arising from Gov. Rafy's suggestion to have an ordinance addressing the issue, BM Ostrea mentioned to the body that he will be proposing a resolution to the SP on the imposition of sanctions on 911 prank callers. BM Ostrea also sought the assistance of PDRRMC in the dissemination of the 911 Emergency Hotline in the Province.
Provincial Health Office represented by Dr. Dan William Dacanay presented the CoViD-19 vaccination status in the Province. Dr. Dacanay emphasized that La Union has already reached 70% Herd Immunity Status as PHO continues to encourage Kaprobinsiaan to take their shots.
Also among the matters discussed include the introduction of Gawad Kalasag by Mr. Aldrin Sabado of the Office of Civil Defense. He encouraged the council to make nominations for individuals and organizations who had an innovative and effective implementation of disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance.
Lastly, the PDRRMO presented series of proposed activities to be conducted, additional equipment needed, and other undertakings that will aid in achieving the best emergency response management in La Union.
The PGLU and PDRRMC remain committed in ensuring the security and safety of all Kaprobinsiaan through strengthened emergency response management and well-executed plans and continued La Union PROBINSYAnihan.
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