IN THE face of the weather disturbances and other forms of calamities, we rely heavily on our first responders and volunteers to address our emergency needs.
In Mabalacat City, particularly, although the city is not threatened with flooding as in low-lying areas in Pampanga and elsewhere, it has the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office which is always on alert status before, during and after any emergency situation. It is ably headed by Jeffrey Santos and is assisted by able-bodied staff ready to serve, even at unholy and sustained hours.
The CDRRMO responds immediately to incidents of accidents. It has at its disposal ambulances and rescue vehicles, complete with equipment and extrication tools. Its staff are trained regularly to handle emergency cases.
It also extends its services outside its area of responsibility and jurisdiction as a sign of cooperation and brotherhood.
In all, the office gets the support and encouragement of Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo and other officials, including members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Volunteers also render selfless public service without expecting any compensation.
Also included in the list of first responders is the Bureau of Fire Protection Mabalacat City headed by Senior Inspector Edwin Guevarra dela Fuente, an approachable, good-natured fire chief. His staff members, at least most of them, are relatively new on the job but they are all adequately trained like Fire Officers Quiambao and Medina.
As a member of the BFP, each is motivated by all-out public service, sometimes at the risk of life and limb.
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The elevation of Mabalacat City is high, much higher than the neighboring cities of Angeles and San Fernando, so much so that it is not prone to flooding except perhaps its barangays Sapang Balen, parts of Tabun and Sto. Rosario which has rivers near them.
There is no risk of landslides for hilly barangays Calumpang, Marcos Village and Macapagal Village. As far as I know, there are no mining activities in these areas as is prevalent in Itogon, Benguet. Except for quarrying, there are apparent diggings in these villages.
Monitoring is done by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) heade by Engr. Jesusa Santiago who takes care of any illegal diggings or activities in the city's area of jurisdiction.