Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. recently called a meeting of various department heads including the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Engineer’s Office, among others in order to verify their respective levels of preparation in case of outbreak or calamity.
“We want a quicker response in terms of relief operations,” he said.
The governor also discussed the need for a reserve rice supply.
“We could have a buffer stock ready to be pulled out and delivered during typhoons,” Defensor explained.
Earlier this month, after Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas vowed to create the “best command center in the Visayas,” the city government recently signed a usufruct agreement with the Gaisano Capital Group to establish the Iloilo City Action and Response Center. A usufruct agreement permits an outside party to use a piece of property for a period of time.
The structure will be situated on a 375-square meter lot in Iloilo City’s Mandurriao district.
“This is a very significant project as we should be prepared for disaster and immediate response to emergencies and urgent situations,” the mayor explained. “It will also include [an] intelligent transport system to address traffic congestion in the metropolis.”
Once completed, the facility will house the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Public Safety and Transportation Management Office, police stations, and fire stations./WDJ