Sunday, December 30, 2007 SF mayor forms team to address emergencies By Albert B. Lacanlale
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The City Government here has activated a team to monitor and response to emergencies that may arise as the public prepares to celebrate the coming of the New Year.
Mayor Oscar Rodriguez said he has tasked the city fire department, headed by Major Jonas Silvano, to be on high alert, as probability of fire is high due to indiscriminate use of firecrackers, especially on New Year's Eve.
Rodriguez said the new equipment of the fire department, which had been purchased by his administration to boost the capability of firefighters, is all prepared for any eventuality.
The mayor also tasked the City Health Office (CHO) under Doctor Eloisa Aquino to deploy personnel for emergency response.
Rodriguez said the City Government does not want to be laidback, especially during the holidays when untoward incidents are prone to happen.
Campaign against illegal firecrackers and information drive on how to prevent fire are also among the activities of the City Government, he said. In fact, the mayor personally anchored the City Hall's regular radio program for faster information dissemination to the public.
In one of the program's episodes, Rodriguez asked Fernandinos to look for more meaningful ways in celebrating the New Year other than using firecrackers.
"Though it has been a tradition, we can make merriments in the New Year without sacrificing our safety and that of our family," Rodriguez said.
The City Hall and important public facilities had also been declared firecracker-free zones to prevent fire.
