The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is fast-tracking the installation of warning signages within the identified high-risk and hazard areas within Palawan to warn the public from calamities.
Jeremias “Jerry” Y. Alili, head of the PDRRMO, said that part of the National Disaster Resilient Month celebration this July 2019, their office prioritized the installation of these warning boards and signages to inform and caution the public from constructing any structures within the areas identified as susceptible or exposed to landslide, floods, storm surge, and other hazards.
“Nitong July 8 to 12 ay ginagawa natin ang pagkabit ng mga hazard/ warning signages sa mga municipalities. Kabilang na dito ang mga landslide prone areas na markings na nilalagay natin sa El Nido,” he said.
He further explained that the assessment and identification of flood-prone areas within the different towns in the province are ongoing, so that appropriate warning signages will be also installed in these risk areas.
He said that these identified sites should serve its purpose as warning to the public and they should not disregard it. Considering that these places are very much exposed to hazards, building a house or any structures should be avoided, as a measure to protect lives and properties.
“Ang purpose nito is to warn the people. Halimbawa dito sa mga rain induced landslide dapat makatulong sya. In a long term it would tell (the people na) wag kayong magtayo ng bahay at anumang structures dito. Sa mga areas naman na exposed sa storm surge to let the people know na kapag Signal no 4 ang diretly hitting maaring magka storm surge ang malapit sa dalampasigan,” he said.
Alili said that by next month, August 2019, they will start installing warning signage to the island municipalities such as Cuyo, Magsaysay, Culion, Coron, Linapacan and Agutaya.
For flood early warning devices installed in various locations in the province, Alili said that these are provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). These are equipped with sensors that will automatically alarm the local residents during floods.
In his estimate, he said that the DOST together with the provincial government that identified the sites, installed more 30 across the different part of the province, and some five to six units needed repair.
“Medyo marami Flood Early Warning devices ang na-install sa mga municipalities. We calibrate it quarterly. Ito ay may mga sensors na pag inabot ng tubig ay automatic na nag-aalarm. Tayo ang nag-idenitify ng areas. Dun naman sa may sira we recommend sa LGUs at brgy na ipaayos. Siguro may mga 5 o 6 na kailangang ayusin,” he said.
Alili said that they enhanced the PDRRMO and the province’s capacity in disaster risk reduction and management. He said that by becoming more prepared, the calamities are prevented and mitigated following the appropriate interventions.
“To ensure na ang ating lalawigan ay Listo, panatag at matatag na Palawan. Tagline sa PDRRMO And the role that we are embracing is we want to shield all the developmental programs. With the thrust Preparedness, prevention and mitigation para wala ng response, at wala ng rehabilitation kasi matatag na tayo,” he explained.