PROVINCE TO BUILD EVAC CENTERS

Because of the unpredictability of the weather, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Baltazar Tribunalo III said one can never be too prepared as they look to build six evacuation centers and purchase sea ambulances

As part of their efforts in disaster management planning, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) will build evacuation centers and are looking into purchasing sea ambulances.

PDRRMO targeted to build six evacuation centers in strategic locations, which are expected to cost about P5 million to P6 million each.

The targeted areas for the evacuation centers are Sibonga, Carmen, Boljoon, Rhonda, Pilar, and Sta. Fe.

According to PDRRMO head Baltazar Tribunalo III, they have chosen the six LGUs based on their vulnerability to disasters, according to their hazard assessment.

The sea ambulance to be purchased would be used to help respond to medical emergencies in the different islands of the province.

The PDRRMO, along with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, conducted a Rapid Damage Assessment after Typhoon Basyang, where they deployed teams in the southwest and southeastern part of the province, the places heavily hit by the typhoon.

It was then that they learned the importance of the sea ambulance.

Kathy dela Calzada, PDRRMO Training Division Head, said they decided to invest in the sea ambulance after learning about the need through feedback from residents whom they visited in different islands.

She said that the PDRRMO has coordinated with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) as the end-users of the sea ambulance.

They are now in the bidding process in search of the right supplier.