The Zamboanga del Norte Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council conducted an emergency meeting last Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Hall 3, 2nd-floor Provincial Capitol, Dipolog City.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aurelio J. Monteclaro presided over the emergency meeting in lieu of the Provincial Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” Jalosjos. PDRRMO Officer-in-Charge, Mr. Norman M. Alegarbes gave cognizance to the members of the council and other participants during the said meeting.
This particular gathering aimed to discuss plans and strategies geared towards strengthening the disaster risk reduction and management of El Niño in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. To this end, one of the agenda tackled and unanimously approved by the members of the council was the declaration of Zamboanga del Norte under the El Niño State of Calamity.
Mr. Monteclaro emphasized the importance of the meeting in order to discuss preventive measures and solutions to mitigate the impact of the dry spell caused by the El Niño phenomenon.
With the said objective in mind, the purchase of a water drilling machine was hugely applauded, an idea which the Provincial Accountant, Ms. Marivic Samios – Uy Carpitanos, conceded with.
Committee reports started with PAG-ASA staff who gave emphasis to the weather updates regarding the El Niño forecast which is already felt in the province. Accordingly, the Philippine Army of the 97th Batallion discussed various security threats caused by the said phenomenon as well as the Zanorte Provincial Bureau of Fire Protection is concerned regarding the safety of people and structures.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) gave updates in terms of current health statistics. Leading this initiative, the PDRRMO discussed the fund requirements for its operations in fighting against the current climate.
In terms of keeping the public apprised with the current situation of the province, the Provincial Information Center undertook to keep all communication platforms open to disseminate information related to the foreseen changes in climate. The NFA representative likewise reported on the current stocks left to buffer the possible shortage caused by El Niño.
Before the meeting was adjourned, the council conferred with the Provincial Budget Office for the preparation of El Niño funds for the following initiatives:
1. Welfare goods and Ayuda program
2. Fuel, Oil, Lubricant
3. Drugs and Medicines
4. Fishing Poles
5. Drilling Equipment.
Do we think Zamboanga del Norte is ready and equipped for the expected phenomenon? Indeed, yes. (PIC-GinalinMa & Jun Quitong Jr., Jeffrey Lacay – Photographer)
(Source: Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte Facebook page)