THE Iloilo Provincial Government is upgrading its preparation and response during disasters.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. called a meeting with the department heads of the concerned offices such as the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Provincial Health Office (PHO), Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO), General Services Office (GSO), Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Accounting Office, and Provincial Legal Office to check their level of preparation in case of an outbreak or calamity.

The governor said he wants the province to be ready and efficient in responding to disasters.

“We want a quicker response in terms of relief operations,” he said.

For PSWDO, the governor instructed that they sign again a new memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Food Authority for the immediate purchase and delivery of rice supply.

“If possible, we could have a buffer stock ready to be pulled out and delivered during typhoons,” Defensor said.

The Provincial Engineer’s Office and the General Services Office were told to ready their manpower and logistics resources.

The Provincial Health Office should establish close coordination with the rural health units and district hospitals in case of an outbreak.

The PDRRMO is tasked to immediately prepare a rapid damage assessment and needs analysis to determine the kind of response to be done.

Defensor said the province should have proactive disaster risk reduction and management measures. (PR)