MMDA all set to deploy men for ‘Glenda’

Residents strengthen their homes built on stilts as they brace for incoming Typhoon Glenda (international name: Rammasun), beside Manila’s bay, on Tuesday, July 15, 2014. In anticipation of the heavy rains expected to be dumped on Metro Manila by Typhoon “Glenda” when it hits the metropolis before noon Wednesday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has placed all of its frontliners on full alert. AP PHOTO/AARON FAVILA

MANILA, Philippines–In anticipation of the heavy rains expected to be dumped on Metro Manila by Typhoon “Glenda” when it hits the metropolis before noon Wednesday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has placed all of its frontliners on full alert.

At 2 p.m. on Tuesday, it ordered the suspension of the number coding scheme. In an interview with reporters, MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said that they would decide whether to do so again on Wednesday depending on the situation.

According to him, the MMDA will “rely on national notices” when it comes to the deployment of its personnel.

“We will make it a point to get a team ready just in case they need to be deployed to Quezon or Zambales [provinces],” he said. But he added that if their personnel were not needed in those areas, they would remain in Metro Manila, which lies directly in the typhoon’s path.

“We’re on high alert because it’s already signal No. 2 in Metro Manila,” Tolentino said as he talked about the agency’s “heightened preparations.”

He reported that he had ordered the cancellation of all leave of absences filed by the MMDA’s frontliners. Those who need to work overtime would also be asked to do so.

Tolentino said that the agency’s frontliners—rescue responders, clearing groups, enforcers and Flood Control Information Center personnel—would remain on duty Wednesy and would be allowed to go home only on Thursday.

According to him, they had already loaded their rescue boats on trucks to prepare these for deployment. He added that the trucks would also be used to offer rides to stranded commuters.

In addition, four trucks from Maynilad Water Services Inc. were on standby to siphon floodwaters from flood-prone areas such as Chino Roces Extension, Gil Puyat Avenue, South Superhighway and the Don Bosco area, all in Makati, and P. Burgos Avenue in Manila.

He said there were already composite teams stationed in flood-prone areas.

Tolentino also told reporters that more trucks, boats and other disaster rescue equipment stored in a warehouse in Marikina City had already been prepared for deployment.

As for the billboard displays in the metropolis, he said that 95 percent had already been taken down.

Those that remained in place belonged to “independent billboard operators” who would be held liable under the National Building Code, Tolentino stressed.