MMDA spearheads disaster gameplan in MM as ‘Chedeng’ nears

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is quarterbacking the coordinative efforts of various government agencies in preparation for typhoon ‘Chedeng’ (international name: Songda) in a meeting Wednesday.

Representatives from agencies such as the Department of Interior and Local Government, National Capital Region Police Office, NCR Command, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Center for Health Development-Metro Manila convened at the MMDA Headquarters here to ensure streamlined collaboration while implementing disaster response operations

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said they were working to produce, in the future, a comprehensive disaster preparation plan that will enable all concerned agencies to join forces and “provide seamless operations.”

“In the future, we hope that no matter who is called to respond, the agency will know what to do, and how to supplement the other agencies. This is the best thing we can do during cases of emergencies and disasters,” Tolentino said.

Director Susan Cruz from the Office of Civil Defense said that preparations were important “even if Metro Manila will not be hit by the typhoon. Synchronized efforts of the government agencies is important when responding to disasters.”

Pagasa’s Rene Paciente gave updates during the meeting, showing that typhoon ‘Chedeng’ was moving northwest at a slow pace of 10kph.

Paciente stated that ‘Chedeng’ did not budge until 9 a.m. Wednesday, a sign that it was gathering strength.

“‘Chedeng’ is now a typhoon, but the chances of raising Signal No. 1 in Metro Manila are slim,” Paciente said.

DILG-NCR Director Renato Brion said that Metro Manila local governments were preparing for the typhoon.

“We are now on blue alert, based on (data from) Pagasa, we have elevated the white alert because of the projected amount of rainfall,” Tolentino explained.

NCRCOM Commander Tristan Kison explained that they have deployed disaster relief operation teams, but “may re-deploy the assets as the need arises.”

Kison said that they had 30 rubber boats, two amphibian trucks, and 50 6X6 trucks prepared for the typhoon. “As of early tomorrow (Thursday), we can redeploy these assets.”

“We will provide the MMDA with eight 6X6 trucks as requested,” said Kison after Tolentino voiced a request for the vehicles for deployment to flood prone areas starting Wednesday afternoon.

NCRPO officer-in-charge Chief Superintendent Carmelo Valmoria said that a heightened alert has been raised, and that they have prepared a disaster management and preparation program, and may also expect resources from the PNP if necessary.

“We will be deploying 2,758 police officers, 612 of whom are trained for disasters. We have 2,146 more in reserve in case they are needed,” Valmoria said. The officers have, at their disposal, 17 trucks, 323 patrol jeeps, 502 cars, 7 ambulances, 11 motorized boats and 16 rubber boats, he added.

“They will be equipped with handheld radios, in case phone lines are damaged during the typhoon,” said Valmoria.

The Philippine Coast Guard has prepared seven water vessels, two ‘air assets’ with five teams equipped with five ‘deployable’ rubber boats.

PCG Commander Erwin Balagas said that they have 15 active PCG squadrons ready to move to critical areas in cases of emergencies.

“We want to create a cohesive, seamless preparation (plan for disaster response). If government agencies as well as other private organizations work together, we can be more effective in our response (to disasters)” said Tolentino.