The City Government of Baguio is taking no chances as the typhoon season approaches.
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, last week, announced impending upgrades in the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) communication equipment to better fit out its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located at City Camp Proper Barangay.
This, over procurement of up-to-date search and rescue equipment that could expedite disaster response and speed up administration of initial emergency medical relief.
Over at City Hall, Magalong directed EOC chief Yoly Munar to fast-track procurement of the upgrades, new contraptions and supplies in time for the rainy season.
Included in the inventory are medical equipment and supplies; collapsed structure and crashed vehicle search and rescue gears; and, high and long angle rescue contraptions.
In order to ensure personnel readiness, the EOC chief was likewise ordered to speed up purchase of standard and technical personal protective equipment and survival kits.
The EOC serves as the CDRRMCs coordinating center for city rescue ops during disasters and emergencies.
It operates in cooperation with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD); and, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in times of national emergencies and calamities.
The CDRRMC controls traffic of rescue and relief operations of the council composed of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO); and, the offices of the City Mayor, City Engineer, City Social Welfare and Development Officer, City Environment and Parks Management Officer, General Services Officer, City Building and Architecture Officer; and volunteer search and rescue groups, among others.
It likewise aids in setting up Barangay Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Councils (BDRRMC) which act as first responders in times of calamities and emergencies. JGF PIO Baguio