Capitol learns from ‘Yolanda’

CEBU, Philippines - While super typhoon “Yolanda” brought millions worth of damage in northern areas of Cebu, the provincial government takes it as a “learning experience” in order to intensify disaster preparedness programs for the province.

“Daghan pa gyud ta i-improve. After this (calamity), I’m sure nga daghan gyud tang nakat-unan, so makapangandam na ta better the next time,” said Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III.

He pointed out the distribution of relief goods as an example which he said should have been done even before the typhoon struck the areas in the northern part of the province.

“Like karon ang nahitabo, mi-react ta after sa typhoon. Maybe what can probably be done kung naay mahitabo, simbako lang, di na unta mausab, i-una nag hatod para makaandam gyod. Para automatic na,” he stressed.

Moreover, the provincial government also wants to improve and strengthen the disaster and risk reduction management council in the local government units, adding that being ‘well-prepared’ in times of calamities begin in the barangay level which supposedly should be the first one to act in times of calamities.

Davide, however, clarified that there are already disaster preparedness programs in place in barangays and that local government units were able to listen to the warning and advice for evacuation just before the typhoon hit the province.

“I am just very thankful that the people heeded our warning, the PAGASA warning. Ang ato pod nga advise nila nga to evacuate. But even if nakapangandam ta, wa gyud ta nag-expect nga ingon ato gyud kabangis ang bagyo,” he added.

He further stressed that there was also an immediate response from Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) during the recent catastrophe. “Even without the law, ang province, ang ako gyud sulti sa ato-ang PDDRRMC, respond gyud dayon, di na ta magpaabot anang protocol.”

Meanwhile, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is looking at the possibility of cancelling Christmas parties in the capitol as an act of sympathy to the typhoon victims.

Instead of parties, the provincial government will spend two or three days visiting different towns including the typhoon-stricken areas to distribute goods, this time, to the children, said Davide.

“Di na lang ta magparty. Adto na lang ta sa mga kalungsoran, not just sa north, kung (puede) ma-cover nato ang entire province,” Davide stressed.

He is also expecting all Capitol employees and different offices including the Office of the Vice Governor to be involved in the said activity.

But he said that the activity is still a plan and he has yet to suggest the matter to the Provincial Board. — (FREEMAN)