Gov. Ebdane tells LGUs to fine-tune disaster-preparedness plans

SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. has called on local government units across the province to continue refining set contingency plans to better prepare for any disaster that may arise in their communities.

Stressing the need for readiness at all times, Gov. Ebdane the LGUs should learn the measures by heart for effective implementation.

“Let us improve our contingency plans. Let us continue meeting until we commit these plans to memory. And our equipment, they should be ready always so that they would be available during emergencies,” he said.

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., along with Zambales PDRRMO chief Rolex Estella, discuss the importance of planning and coordination in the effective implementation of disaster preparedness programs. (GO)

The governor issued this call during a meeting of the Zambales Mayors League on April 14 at Mateo’s Farm here, wherein LMP-Zambales President Jun Omar Ebdane led municipal executives in presenting their disaster-preparedness programs.

The mayors presented their programs and strategies, as well as priority hazards like earthquake, tsunami, landslide, fire, or oil spill with the assistance of their respective Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) staff and Camp Management Officers (CMOs), who serve as primary coordinators in evacuation centers.

The body also discussed the proper formulation of evacuation maps, road maps, and community response systems in times of disaster, including “The Big One”—the highly anticipated catastrophic earthquake with a predicted magnitude of 7.2 or stronger that may arise from the active 100-km long West Valley Fault Line.

The municipal contingency plans were scrutinized and discussed with the help of Provincial DRRMO head Rolex Estella.

In the discussion, Gov. Ebdane also emphasized the importance of effective and speedy coordination and relay of information among local officials during calamities.

He said that giving real-time updates during emergencies is as crucial as creating contingency plans to ensure the safety and protect the well-being of residents, especially the vulnerable sectors. – Taktikom News & Features

COVER PHOTO: Mayor Byron Jones Edquilang presents the contingency plans prepared by the Candelaria LGU

Leave a comment