NCR to Count on Region 7 LDRRMOs if “Big One” Hits

The Region 7 Liga sa mga Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (LDRRMOs) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are forging a strong alliance.

The group of LDRRMOs representing the Liga of LDRRMOs in Bohol, Cebu, and Siquijor Provinces led by the Regional Focal, Ben Fredrick Rodriguez of City of Bogo made exposure visits to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) offices, Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MMDRRMC), and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

The LDRRMOs are the primary operators of DRRM at the local level. MMDA welcomed the delegation and discussed mainly interoperability in times of disasters as well as uniformity and standardization of trainings and equipment for DRRM. As soon as the agreement will be signed between the two entities, they will start training emergency responders of Region 7.

“After capacity building, the next national simulation earthquake drills (NSED) will be performed with selected respondents from Region 7 flying to Ground Zero in NCR and response time will be documented,” Rodriguez said.

The DRRM Protocol of the Liga sa mga LDRRMO-Sugbo which was the first in the country is now being studied by MMDA to be merged with their OplanYakal Plus.

Region 7 responders are now assigned in the Northern Quadrant of NCR covering the LGUs of Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Juan, and Valenzuela whenever the Big One hits NCR. DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero, who also met with the delegates, expressed appreciation of the regional twinning as he is promoting twinning between LGUs. (rmn/PIA7-Cebu/Bogo City PIO)