Central 911 introduces public warning system

THE Central 911 introduced to village chieftains in Davao City on Friday the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (Ipaws), especially those of vulnerable barangays near and along Davao River.

Emmanuel Jaldon, Central 911 chief, said the Ipaws is a planned multi-agency public warning system in the metropolis.

"It is designed to provide rapid, reliable and effective communication to the public in case of major emergencies such as natural disasters like flooding, typhoons and others," Jaldon said.

A total of 31 village chiefs attended the meeting Friday with the Central 911 at the Grand Men Seng Hotel. The chieftains tapped to attend the meeting since their areas are among the vulnerable barangays near and along Davao River.

These barangays include Marilog Proper, Bantol, Gumitan, Suawan, Tamugan, Dacudao, Dalgdag, Dominga, Lamanan, Lampianao, Lacson, Pangyan, Talandang, Tawan-tawan, Tambobong, Callawa, Mandug, Tigatto, Ma-a, Bucana, 1-A, 2-A, 5-A, 8-A, 9-A, 10-A, 19-A, Tigatto and 19-B.

Jaldon said the role of the barangays is to acquire communication equipment like any of VHF radio base and handsets, cellphones; the need of the public early warning system; water level marker; and training using the tell, show and drill approach for evacuation.

He said the awareness and preparedness in emergencies should start with the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Office.

"Daghan pa nga mga barangay na kailangan gyud i-establish especially the early warning system," he said.