ILOILO City – On their own, local disaster risk reduction and management offices (LDRRMMOs) of local government units must initiate earthquake drills and not merely rely on the national government to take the lead, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Western Visayas.
“We will just tie up with them and send evaluators,” said Director Jose Roberto Nuñez.
The earthquake drills could be done once a month, he added.
“As much as possible, start with the family. The priority rescue is our family, then we go out to help our community,” said Nuñez.
Hebared the plan during the June 21 National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) where the town of Kalibo in Aklan was the pilot site for Western Visayas.
He described the drill in Kalibo as “very overwhelming” due to the support of local officials.
Meanwhile, Nuñez invited the public to join the OCD in marking the National Disaster Resilience Month this July.
The month-long celebration will kick off with a motorcade along Iloilo City’s major thoroughfares to be followed by a short program on July 1 at city hall.
On July 7, there will be a Bike-for-Resilience in Guimaras while on July 13, there will be an exhibit of capability equipment.
A forum that will gather local chief executives, planning officers, and other concerned offices will also be held to give them venue to raise concerns about the local disaster risk reduction and management plan. (PNA/PN)
