THE City Government of San Fernando, through its disaster risk reduction and management office, conducted a flood simulation drill on October 13 in Barangay San Pedro Cutud.
The drill was in line with the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) advocacy program dubbed “Operation Listo: Listong Pamayanan.”
DILG City Director Algy Canlas said the activity aims to strengthen the disaster preparedness and resiliency of different flood-prone areas, as well as test the effectiveness of the local government’s flood management plans.
"Napakalaking tulong na inilunsad sa atin ito, kasi alam naman natin na ang Syudad San Fernando partikular na ang Barangay San Pedro Cutud ay malapit sa pagbaha sa tuwing panahon ng tag-ulan (This is a big help, considering that the City of San Fernando, particularly Barangay San Pedro Cutud, is prone to flooding, especially during heavy rains)," he said.
In an effort to make the simulation realistic, personnel from the city disaster management office, together with the community disaster volunteers in Barangay San Pedro Cutud, conducted a typhoon scenario wherein the whole barangay got flooded and the residents were needed to be rescued.
Residents were rescued by the disaster volunteers and they brought with them clothes and other important things before heading to the evacuation center located in Barangay Saguin covered court. This was followed by the distribution of relief goods and sleeping bags.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Raymond Del Rosario said they are now seeing the positive results of the local government unit’s continuous efforts in informing and training the Fernandino community on disaster preparation and response.
"We can say that the City of San Fernando is now ready for calamities, because we did not stop training the rescuers. We also try to give trainings to our barangays," said Del Rosario in Filipino.
Mayor Edwin Santiago encouraged everyone to participate in the activities of the government regarding disaster preparedness considering that emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere.
Meanwhile, certificates of appreciation were given to Barangay San Pedro Cutud, Barangay Saguin and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for their contributions in making the activity possible and successful.
Also present during the activity were DILG Provincial Director Myrvi Apostol Fabia, barangay captains Zoilo Castro (San Pedro) and Cristina Lagman (Saguin). (PR)