CITY OF SAN FERNANDO The local government unit (LGU) here is laying measures to ensure that the city is ready for the “Big One”.
This, amidst the national government’s call to LGUs to intensify their efforts against strong quakes that may be triggered by the movement of the West Valley Fault.
If it hits, the Big One is expected to severely affect most parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces which are along the 100-kilometer fault.
On February 18, Mayor Vilma Caluag reiterated her call on departments to act and institute measures against the worst hazards.
A week later, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) Head Secretariat and CDRRM Officer Raymond del Rosario presented to Caluag, City Administrator Nelson Lingat, and the council members the list of measures against the predicted calamity.
These include the review and updating of the city’s Contingency Plan for Earthquake, Capacity Building for city government-based disaster management and safety officers, and continuous staging of drills and simulations.
The LGU is also coordinating with various government and non-government agencies whose area of expertise is DRRM.
The city government is conducting active Information, Education, and Communication campaigns.
The LGU urged the city residents to prepare their households in case the earthquake hits hard in the city