Guv: We’re ready for any disaster

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -– Governor Lilia Pineda said the Pampanga Capitol has its disaster response, rescue, and prevention plans in place, in case any disaster strikes this rainy and typhoon seasons.
The governor said although she has been praying no calamity would fall on Pampanga, the Provincial Government through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) has prepared contingency plans and measures.
“We have just purchased hand-held radios and established a repeater station for proper communication and flash information dissemination. We will give these to the barangay and municipal rescue and response teams. Communication is one of the keys to immediate response and rescue,” Pineda said.
Pineda also noted that PDRRMC Action Centers have been established in strategic locations like Apalit, San Simon, the Provincial Engineer’s Office compound in Sindalan (City of San Fernando), Capitol Compound and the focal area along GSO Road, which will serve the Second District towns of Sasmuan, Guagua, Floridablanca, Sta. Rita and Porac.
“We have also identified evacuation centers and relocation sites in Mexico, Magalang, and Floridablanca and we are still looking for other safe places in disaster-prone coastal barangays,” the governor added.
The Provincial Government also has equipment like rescue boats, dump trucks at patrol tricycles, and stockpiled emergency goods and medical supplies ready should a disaster strike.
PDRRMC head Engineer Lulu Alicangcastre said a warning system was set up in villages; and trained personnel are monitoring the installed systems 24 hours and seven days a week, rain or shine.
The PDRRMC has also created rescue and response teams composed of well-trained volunteers assisted by the police, army, air force and expert assistance groups.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2012/07/25/guv-we-re-ready-any-disaster-233997