Summit highlights disaster preparedness in Iloilo province

FINANCIAL AID. The provincial government releases PHP1 million in financial assistance to 43 local government units during the 1st Provincial DRRM Summit at the Pototan Astrodome in Pototan town on Wednesday (July 31, 2024). The summit gathered all local DRRM councils across Iloilo province for the first-ever summit showcasing advancements and resource capabilities in disaster management. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Iloilo City Emergency Responders – ICER and USAR

ILOILO CITY — The provincial government, through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) office, gathered on Wednesday all local DRRM councils across Iloilo for the first-ever summit showcasing advancements and resource capabilities in disaster management at the Pototan Astrodome in Pototan town.

“We want to create awareness to the people that LDRRM offices are there to provide necessary assistance in four thematic areas, namely response, disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation, and rehabilitation and recovery,” PDRRM officer Cornelio Salinas said in an interview.

The exhibit of state-of-the-art facilities such as the Government Emergency Communications System (GECS) and Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency (MOVE), including the hub dispatch motorcycle and drone unmanned aerial vehicle of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), was among the highlights of the event.

Also, P43 million in financial aid was released to one component city and 42 municipalities, along with communication devices and portable generating systems to promote the renewable energy concept.

The assistance aims to mitigate the impact of the El Niño phenomenon and support Project 1-43 (province, local government units) for the province’s tree-growing program.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary for Public Safety, Serafin Baretto Jr., said the distribution of communication devices and portable solar generating systems is a testament to the province’s dedication to enhancing the emergency response measure.

Barretto also emphasized the timeliness of the summit.

“Through this gathering, we can share our insights, strategies, and best practices enforcing our collective commitment to safeguarding our communities,” he said.

Drawing from the recent flooding experienced in Luzon, he reminded everyone to remain vigilant.

“Despite preparedness, the worst may still happen in the face of disasters. But as long as we continue to respond, adapt, and innovate, we can overcome these challenges,” Baretto said.

The summit with the theme “Together Towards Resilience: Empowering Iloilo for a Robust and Progressive Tomorrow” formed part of the activities for National Disaster Resilience Month. With reports from Eljolene Tacadao WVSU-OJT (PNA)