Solidum: Make communities safer, resilient to disasters

PAMPANGA. Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) executives led by chairman emeritus Levy P. Laus and president Jess Nicdao present a plaque of appreciation to keynote speaker DOST Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Renato Solidum Jr. during the chamber’s 60th General Membership Meeting at the LausGroup Event Centre on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. (Photo by Chris Navarro)
PAMPANGA. Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) executives led by chairman emeritus Levy P. Laus and president Jess Nicdao present a plaque of appreciation to keynote speaker DOST Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Renato Solidum Jr. during the chamber’s 60th General Membership Meeting at the LausGroup Event Centre on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. (Photo by Chris Navarro)

“WE CANNOT do away with environmental hazards and natural calamities, but we can prepare and respond to them more efficiently.”

This was highlighted by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Renato Solidum Jr. during the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) 60th General Membership Meeting.

Solidum stressed the importance of disaster preparedness in light of the 5.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 1,400 people on an island in Indonesia last week.

Speaking with the members of the chamber and local government officials, the DOST chief urged everyone to “become involved in making communities and businesses safer and resilient to disasters.”

He underlined the need for better disaster mitigating programs as well as science-based approach to reduce vulnerabilities to natural hazards.

He noted that the Philippines, being located at the western side of the Pacific Ocean, is part of the Tropical Cyclone Belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire.

“To give you an idea, the country is prone to an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually. These weather disturbances are accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds that produce floods, landslides, and storm surges. While the number is not projected to rise as we go along, we anticipate stronger typhoons than the past years,” he said.

Moreover, he warned the public and private sectors to prepare for the possible major earthquake with at least 7.8 magnitude along the West Valley Fault.

He explained that the so-called “Big One” may directly hit Metro Manila and nearby provinces of Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, and Bulacan.

While Pampanga does not lie on any active fault and is found to have the least casualties if a destructive earthquake does strike, Solidum reiterated that the province must still be alert at all times.

He reasoned out that Pampanga, if well-prepared, can help rescue victims and serve as evacuation ground for people affected by a powerful quake, which according to analysis could injure up to 100,000 people and claim the lives of over 34,000.

He urged leaders and the business community to strengthen disaster risk governance and assure that infrastructures and establishments in the province are well-built, scientifically engineered, and earthquake resistant.

He added that inspections should also be done regularly to validate that the buildings follow the most recent National Building Code and standards.

Solidum, who is currently the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology director, also said the government should prime the Clark International Airport this early so that it can fully function as the country’s main gateway in a worst case scenario.

“Clark is actually safe from the Big One, so we should really promote the development of Clark International Airport which can seamlessly mobilize international and domestic flights in the event that NAIA becomes non-operational during the catastrophe,” he relayed.

He concluded that he is hoping that Kapampangans would take serious initiatives and unite as one.

“I challenge the Kapampangans to show the rest of the Philippines that you don’t only have the indomitable spirit but the flesh to do the actions to make the country truly resilient,” he said.

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