BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) is gearing up by activating its disaster management teams to ensure public safety for All Saints’ and All Souls’ days on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively.
Darryl Darwyn Thusalidas, of CDRRMC, noted that with a large number of tourists anticipated, the CDRRMC is coordinating with local traffic authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow, especially around cemeteries and popular areas.
These preparations aim to enhance public safety and ensure a safe, orderly experience for both residents and tourists during the observance, he added.
These teams will coordinate with relevant departments to manage traffic and implement road closures near cemeteries and other busy areas.
Thusalidas emphasized that such effort is designed to maintain smooth traffic flow and ensure quick response capabilities in case of emergencies.
Likewise, the Iloilo City Emergency Responders (ICER) will be closely monitoring the influx of people and potential passengers around the city during Undas.
To ensure public safety, ICER teams will be on standby, actively patrolling busy areas and key transport hubs.
Equipped with trauma and life support resources, Thusalidas noted the responders will be ready to address any medical emergencies and provide rapid assistance when needed, contributing to a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.
He added that ICER has deployed six ambulances as part of their Undas preparations. A technical roving team, in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), will be monitoring key areas to ensure public safety.
ICER has also issued a reminder to the public to exercise caution with candles in cemeteries and memorial parks to prevent accidental fires from unattended flames.
For their part, Maribel Rojas – Salazar, of the Philippine Red Cross – Iloilo, said they coordinated with the local government units (LGUs) to provide additional support for the influx of visitors and tourists.
Salazar stressed that Red Cross teams will set up assistance stations at cemeteries, transport terminals, and high-traffic areas, including Mohon and other key locations.
These stations will offer basic first aid and guidance for tourists. Additionally, roving teams will be deployed to respond quickly to emergencies, ensuring a safe and organized environment for everyone observing Undas.
During Undas, Salazar said the Philippine Red Cross will also deploy a comprehensive support team, including a 24-hour medical unit and 40 personnel across key locations.
First aid stations will be set up in cemeteries, terminals, and other high-traffic areas, providing immediate medical assistance and psychological support.
The welfare team will be available for tracing and reuniting missing individuals with their families, as well as offering psychological aid to those in distress.
Salazar noted the coordinated effort ensures that both medical and emotional needs are met, prioritizing safety and well-being throughout the observance./PN
