SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – Gov. Lilia Pineda has signed an ordinance requiring the forced evacuation of local folk facing imminent danger during disasters, starting this rainy season.
Pineda signed Ordinance 605 which the provincial board presided over by her son, Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda, earlier had passed for implementation in the province’s 19 towns and the cities of Mabalacat and San Fernando.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council officer Angie Blanco said the ordinance is part of Pineda’s goal of zero casualties during disasters in the province.
Blanco said the provincial government has identified evacuation centers in flood- and landslide-prone areas, and at least two permanent evacuation sites are also being developed.