By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) was recently named “Best Highly-urbanized City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council” during the 20th Gawad Kalasag ceremony at the Iloilo City Convention Center last week.
According to CDRRMO officer-in-charge Dondon Parandas, the city office was recognized for meeting four requirements, namely, mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation.
He said the city raised awareness on various issues through seminars and trainings on what to do during a disaster.
The CDRRMO head added, the said requirements should be applied to corresponding programs to address specific problems, such as flooding.
Earlier this year, in preparation for the rainy season, CDRRMO conducted clearing operations along Lacson Street, from 9th to 14th Street; Barangay Pahanocoy; and at the city’s main markets.
Despite the clearing efforts, Lacson Street, in particular, remains susceptible to flooding during rainy weather./DGB, WDJ