DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) assured the public that all their rescue equipment is in “green status,” indicating that it is fully operational and ready for use in any emergency situation, especially during typhoon season.
“As early as May, the office has been ensuring that all rescue equipment is in optimal condition so that we are prepared to respond effectively whenever needed,” Avenix Arenas, assistant department head of the Pangasinan PDRRMO and director of Pangasinan Safety and Emergency Response (PASER), told the Philippine Information Agency-Pangasinan.
With regular maintenance and checks, the PDRRMO is confident that its rescue teams will be equipped to respond quickly and effectively.
“We are updating rescue assets to ensure that, given the vast size of Pangasinan, our local DRRMO, which includes four city DRRMOs and 44 municipal DRRMOs, is fully prepared. Each unit has its own manpower and rescue assets to ensure readiness,” Arenas said.
She added that the Provincial DRRMO is still available to provide augmentation and assistance to the local government units (LGU) if needed.
Vincent Chiu, operations head of the Pangasinan PDRRMO, said in a phone interview that the equipment ready for deployment in the event of an emergency includes a 6×6 truck, an aluminum boat, a rubber boat, an ambulance, and a closed van.
The Philippines is currently experiencing a typhoon named “Carina,” with an international name “Gaemi.”
As of 2:00 p.m. on July 23, a yellow warning level has been issued for the province of Pangasinan.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), a yellow warning level serves as an early warning for the public to be prepared and to stay alert as there may be moderate to heavy rainfall, strong winds, or other adverse weather effects.
“What we are experiencing right now is not the direct impact of Typhoon Carina. It is the southwest monsoon being pulled by Typhoon Carina. To our fellow citizens, especially fishermen, please avoid going out to sea if possible and always check for gale warnings to ensure everyone’s safety,” Chiu advised the residents.
Given the current weather conditions, the Pangasinan PDRRMO urges the public to stay informed and follow safety guidelines to minimize risks during the impact of typhoon Carina.
Likewise, they advise taking precautionary measures and being prepared to respond if conditions worsen.
For updates and safety tips, residents are encouraged to monitor official channels such as the Pangasinan PDRRMO Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PangasinanPDRRMO and follow instructions from local authorities. (MJTAB/JCDR PIA Pangasinan)
