In Cebu City State of preparedness eyed

CEBU, Philippines — In light of the upcoming heat season, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said he is keen on implementing a state of preparedness as a precautionary measure for the possible effects of the dry spell. 

He, however, said that although the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has yet to issue a resolution declaring a state of preparedness, the city government is already laying out some preparations.

As the mountain barangays could be among the most affected areas by the dry spell, Garcia said the City will be mobilizing the water tankers. 

Recently, Garcia said the city government acquired six water tankers to help augment the possible lack of water supply. 

“Kanisila (water tankers), maonisila'y mu-go around satanannatongmga barangays, including mountain barangays, just to deliver water,” said Garcia.

Garcia also said the city government has already purchased at least 2,000 to 4,000 liters of containers, which will also be placed in strategic areas for everyone’s use.

On April 1, 2024, the city government declared a water crisis due to El Niño. On the same year, the city also declared 28 mountain barangays under a state of calamity.

For this year, Garcia said the city has allocated funding support from the disaster funds, although, the exact amount has yet to be put in details.

In order to implement these measures, Garcia said he directed the Department of General Services (DGS) to take charge of the mobilization of water trucks. The mayor said he will also tap the help of the barangays to utilize their own firetrucks.

“Kay usabayanasaproblemapudmahutdanogtubigang MCWD (Metro Cebu Water District),” said Garcia.

Garcia, however, assured that arrangements are already in place to ensure that water supply will remain functional should the primary water source continue to recede.

“So bisanunsa pa naka-init, naagihapontubig,” said Garcia.

In a separate interview yesterday, CDRRM Council Chairman RamilAyuman said the council is now finalizing the draft of the resolution for the declaration of a state of preparedness. He said the council is also waiting for the advisory from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, as well as the approval of Garcia.

He said that a state of preparedness is a proactive approach to avoid imminent threats that may come along the way.

Ayuman said his office is already making rounds in the mountain barangays to conduct coordination meetings and to train its personnel in detecting rubbish fires. — (FREEMAN)