QC prepares for rainy season

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government has stepped up its preparations for the onset of the rainy season, which has resulted in floods and affected thousands of families in low-lying areas in the city in previous years.

Mayor Herbert Bautista, who went to Israel for a conference, assured residents that the city government is ready to provide necessary emergency response services in time of calamities.

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, in her capacity as acting mayor, met with public order and safety chief Elmo San Diego to coordinate the city’s disaster response program.

“The city’s emergency system is already in place, including our disaster protocols,” San Diego told Belmonte.

San Diego said that he is scheduled to meet with barangay officials to oversee their preparations and responses during emergency situations.

He added that flood-prone areas in the city – especially those near the San Juan, Tullahan and Marikina rivers – are being closely monitored and that village officials have already undergone disaster preparedness trainings and seminars to enhance their capabilities to carry out search and rescue operations.

More power for mayor

Meanwhile, the Quezon City council is set to approve a measure that will authorize the mayor to take full control and supervision of all barangays in the city during calamities.

The proposed ordinance, filed by second district Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica, noted that the city government experiences difficulty in mobilizing people and responding quickly and efficiently during calamities due to limited personnel, resources, equipment, and facilities.

The measure would allow the mayor to take full control and supervision of all barangays in the city during the height of calamities for the purpose of accelerating rescue, clearing, and relief operations.

It only allows the mayor to exercise these powers only within three months from the occurrence of the calamity. He is also required to submit a report to the city council within 15 days after the calamity.

Among the additional powers granted by the proposal to the city mayor include the ability to mobilize all barangay officials, utilize facilities and equipment, call upon barangay public safety officers for maintenance, and establish better coordination among component barangays.