ILOILO – The provincial government will establish disaster resilience operations hubs this year.
On Monday, March 27, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. released checks worth P5 million each to four towns – Banate, Carles, Estancia, and Miag-ao – where the operations hub will be constructed.
Banate mayor Peter Paul Gonzales, Carles mayor Siegfredo Betita, Estancia mayor Mary Lynn Mosqueda, and Miag-ao vice mayor Macario Napulan received the checks.
Dr. Jerry Bionat, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head, said the hubs will serve as the office for the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Police, and Philippine National Police, among others, for swift communication with the Provincial Civil Defense (ProCid) Operations Center at the provincial capitol.
“In cases of emergency, may ara didto [operation hub] nga pareho diri sa amon nga opisina (referring to ProCid) wherein amo na ang coordination areas didto,” Bionat said in an interview with Panay News.
With the hubs located in strategic areas, Bionat said the transmission of information will be faster, emergency responses will be immediately implemented, and the arrival of assistance timely.
“Mabudlay kag nagaka-delay pero kon may hubs then may personnel nga naga-manage, indi na sila mangin dependent diri,” added Bionat.
The provincial government will also extend additional help to make these hubs functional, such as providing computer sets, telephones, and other equipment needed.
Bionat further explained the four towns were the first recipients because they already identified the lot where their respective hub will be constructed. The two-storey building will host an office, shelter, comfort room, and warehouse for equipment.
The four towns are also in strategic areas because they are either flood-prone or located in coastal areas.
The PDRRMO head assured more operations hubs will be set up in other towns.
Citing the provincial government’s experience in past disasters and emergencies, situation reporting was delayed due to lack of personnel and equipment at the municipal level, said Bionat./PN
