House tagging to ensue in Itogon

COLOR tagging of homes by village chiefs in Itogon, Benguet will be done in preparation for Typhoon Paeng.

Chief Superintendent Rolando Nana, regional director of the Police Regional - Office Cordillera pushed the idea of color tagging homes of residents in danger zones to identify those needing evacuation more efficient.

Nana enjoined the local government unit of Itogon as well as barangay captains to help the police identify homes in danger zones needing evacuation from Typhoon Paeng seen to hit the region this weekend.

The police official said color codes will be made for homes to be tagged by village chiefs to make final inspection by the PNP easier as well as the task to evacuate residents.

Dalupirip and Tinongdan are the only barangays in Itogon which does not need forced evacuation and was identified as centers to shelter those who may want to vacate their homes.

Virac, Ucab, Tuding, Poblacion, Loacan, Gumatnang and Ampucao were declared danger zones, unfit to take refuge in during calamities.

Nana has been tasked to lead efforts to force an evacuation in Itogon in preparation for the Typhoon Paeng to prevent further tragedy the town has experienced.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) es

timates close to 10,000 families needing to evacuate to safer ground identified as of press time at neighboring municipality, La Trinidad.

Janet Armas, regional director of the DSWD, cites three problems the town is facing saying relocation for at least 500 families at level 070 in Ucab is the priority as well as the evacuation of families from 7 barangays in preparation for Typhoon Paeng.

No option for relocation site is seen at Itogon town as all areas are either riddled with mining claims or has been dubbed unsafe by the MGB.

Armas said livelihood intervention for families of small scale miners also pose a challenge.

Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Secretary Francis Tolentino has ordered line agencies to help Armas find safer ground in the province or possibly in Region I and set up families to find a safer way of living through skills training.

Photo by Redjie ASSISTANCE. Ifugao Congressman Teddy Baguilat Jr. turns over rice and canned goods as initial assistance to the typhoon affected families in Ucab, Itogon, Benguet. He took time from the ongoing budget deliberations in Congress to condole with the bereaved families and turn over cash donations and relief assistance as well.