P34.6M for disaster command center

CEBU, Philippines - The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Cebu City will be spending P34.6 million for the establishment of a command center including office building improvement.

The proposed budget covers the set-up of a communication dispatch facility and initial installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

The command center will be the center of all communications in case of disasters, may it be man-made of natural phenomena and will have the communication and warning system that is very important in the careful and immediate release of information in case of emergencies.

The need to establish a command center in the City became even more urgent when a quake hit Cebu and Negros Islands last February.

But prior to the quake incident, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has announced his desire to establish a sophisticated command center due to flooding, fire, landslides and other disasters that are frequently experienced by the city.

The budget for the command center is one of the items that comprise the P157.5 million calamity fund of the city this year.

Other items under pre-disaster requirements of the law to be funded using the calamity fund includes the P27.7 million for temporary shelter and evacuation facility including relocation sites, P7.8 million for emergency rescue and response equipment, lifesaving tools and accessories, P3.9 million for trainings, seminars, information drive and capability building, and P1.6 million for water search and rescue equipment.

Under the quick response fund, the city has proposed that P30 million be appropriated for emergency response, repair, restoration and rehabilitation efforts and P10.5 million for humanitarian assistance, aid and relief operations.

Some P6.7 million shall be a standby fund in case of unforeseen expenditures.

The proposed breakdown of the calamity fund is yet to be approved by the city council because some councilors have clarifications which they want to be answered in an executive session.  (FREEMAN)