THE Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has initiated necessary preparations to address the effects of El Niño.
During the OpenLine News Forum on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer III Engr. Wilson Ramos said that there are specific programs and caravans in the province led by various agencies that provide aid to prepare the impacts of such phenomenon.
Ramos said the province has provided trainings for officers and first responders on basic first aid, basic life support, and search and rescue activities.
"Sige nata'g conduct og training sa atong mga responders like basic first aid, basic life support, search and rescue activities," he said.
(We consistently conduct trainings for our responders like basic first aid, basic life support search and rescue activities.)
Ramos also assured that their unit has sufficient equipment to counter the effects of El Niño. He said there should be a collaborative effort between the council in terms of equipment needed for disasters.
He also said that the Province will provide budget depending on the needs of every council for the mitigation measures of El Niño.
Ramos also said that the announcement of suspension of classes during a disaster must be decided on the different local government units (LGUs).
"We leave that up to the discretion of local chief executive, or either sa mga barangay, or sa mga principal kay mas suhito man sila sa unsay epekto kung mokusog ang uwan nga makaapekto sa mga estudyante," he said.
(We leave that up to the discretion of local chief executive, or the barangays and school principals since they are more capable to assess the situation that can affect the students.)
He also urged the public to get updates on weather disturbances by listening to the weather forecast issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. (Camille Erika Butas, CNU Intern)