Negros Occidental disaster response program now operational

BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Occidental province-wide disaster response program is now fully operational, local authorities said.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz on Friday, July 14, said the provincial government has prepositioned 18 new ambulances in the six districts of Negros Occidental.

Road rescue vehicles have also been assigned to Bago City and EB Magalona where most vehicular accidents transpire, while water search and rescue equipment have been placed in Sipalay City.

Meanwhile, the provincial government has a 911 emergency hotline that has been operating for more than a year.

It is based at the command center in the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division building at the Panaad Park in Bacolod City.

Meanwhile, the provincial government as of Friday has not declared a blue alert amid the continuous rains over the province.

The southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Depression Dodong may bring a significant amount of rain within the next three days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

However, Negros Occidental is not in the direct path of Dodong, Diaz said.

READ: Negros Occidental PDRRMC realigns P32-M fund for repair of govt structures