GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in SOCCSKSARGEN is continuously implementing measures to ensure community safety and preparedness for the rainy season, especially La Niña.
During the recent episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, OCD Regional Director Raylindo Aniñon said their office is closely coordinating with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration to disseminate advisories and warnings on possible landslide and flooding incidents.
He added that the OCD also ensures a sufficient supply of relief goods and emergency equipment for faster emergency response. It also continues to monitor areas at risk of flooding and landslide incidents through its 24/7 Operations Center.
Aniñon said coordination meetings with government and non-government organizations are intensified to guarantee immediate response to the needs of affected communities.
Meanwhile, the OCD also conducts risk reduction and preparedness activities, as well as assisting local government units (LGU) in developing contingency plans for landslides and flooding in preparation for a disaster.
“Ang mga hakbang na ito ay bahagi ng mas malawak na layunin ng OCD na protektahan ang buhay at ari-arian ng mga mamamayan sa panahon ng La Niña at iba pang kalamidad,” Aniñon said.
(These steps are part of the broader objective of the OCD to protect the lives and property of citizens during La Niña and other disasters.)
He added that their office is also coordinating with LGUs to implement preemptive evacuation in high-risk areas.
As part of disaster preparedness, the official stated that there are 26 regional evacuation centers located strategically in different disaster-prone areas in the region.
In addition to these, LGUs have designated evacuation centers for use during emergencies.
“Ang pagkakaroon ng mga evacuation centers ay bilang bahagi din ng pagsunod ng isang LGU sa ipinatutupad na Oplan Listo ng DILG at ito din ay isa sa mga hinahanap natin na kabilang sa checklist ng Gawad Kalasag Seal,” Aniñon emphasized.
(An LGU must establish evacuation centers to comply with the DILG’s Oplan Listo and as part of the checklist for the Gawad Kalasag Seal.)
He also highlighted that evacuation centers should have access to the basic needs of evacuees, such as food, water, and medical services. (SJDM – PIA Region 12)
