SIQUIJOR, Siquijor, Aug. 12 (PIA) -- Siquijor Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Officer Blezela Mae Omictin during the Kapihan sa PIA/Kukabildo segment of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on July 31 underscored the roles of barangay officials as responders in times of calamities.
She said barangay officials are the first responders in case of emergencies as mandated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through a memorandum order.
She said barangay officials are capacitated to render the services required through a series of rescue trainings, disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) planning, and other related trainings conducted from the provincial to municipal levels.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) or volunteers are also expected to assist, said Omictin.
PDRRMO operates 24/7 with minimum of three to five medical emergencies or vehicular incidents responded to in a day since the office serves as backup to the Integrated Provincial Health Office and Rural Health Units in case their ambulances are not available.
They have coordination protocols especially if the incidents occurred in distant areas from the base.
They can also be reached 24/7 through the following mobile numbers: 0953 209 9165 for TM subscribers and 0961 617 5474 for SMART SIM users.
They may also contact through Siquijor PDRRMO’s official Facebook Page and Messenger account.
Omictin shared that the office has the necessary DRRM equipment, materials and paraphernalia that are only based on the budget provided.
She said even even though the provincial office has lesser budget unlike the other provinces, they assure to respond or operate at their best with the personnel who are capable of handling the equipment.
The PDRRM Council is composed of around 40 members including national agencies, CSO rescue groups, and radio groups.
During operations, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Army (PA) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and other rescue groups like the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), One Siquijor Rescue Team, ORACIS and other agencies are trained to respond, she said.
When asked about the insurance of the responders, Omictin said health insurance of all the PDRRMO personnel, including the Job Orders (JOs), are covered under the Philippine Red Cross.
Omictin also explained that allocation of DRRM funds at 5% are mandatory as stipulated in RA 10121.
She clarified that the 5% budget is divided into two - 30% serves as the quick response fund which can only be claimed once there is a state of calamity declaration, while 70% of the fund is allocated for the mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation.
Omictin urged the Siquijodnons to work hand-in-hand before, during, and after calamities so that in every disaster, everyone can survive and become resilient.
Local DRRM Officer Lorgene T. Balanay also urged Siquijodnons to listen to the news and to coordinate with their office in case of emergencies.
The PDRRM Council is composed of national agencies, men in uniform, volunteers, CSOs, and private sectors who are set to operate and respond in times of emergencies. (RAC/NRO/PIA7 Siquijor)
Comments
Post a Comment