Bohol hosts Metro Manila responders

TAGBILARAN CITY – The Bohol provincial government shared its earthquake experience with members of the Metro Manila Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (MMDRRMC) during a meeting at the People’s Mansion here.

A statement released Wednesday by the Effective Development Communication Unit of the Capitol said provincial officials recounted the 2013 earthquake that hit Bohol.

Gov. Edgar Chatto said there is no substitute to being prepared for any eventuality.

Better earthquake response is deeply rooted on how a locality prepares, Chatto said.

Metro Manila has been preparing for the “Big One,” a major earthquake that could result in heavy devastation and loss of life, with several shake drills.

The statement said the delegation from Metro Manila was amazed by the Boholanos’ volunteerism during emergency situations and disasters.

The council is composed of teams from Metro Manila’s 16 cities in and one town. The delegation visited Cebu and Tagbilaran, before proceeding to the provincial capitol.

The first response team of Bohol, the TaRSIER 117, has been conducting training sessions in outlying towns on responding to disaster situations and emergencies.

Chatto said the training is conducted to ensure of the right emergency response even in far-flung towns.

Each community needs to come up with its own response strategies because the situation varies from place to place, the governor said.