After major earthquakes that jolted areas of Luzon and Visayas this week, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-10) strongly encouraged the local government units to strengthen their efforts in preparing for earthquakes.
“We do not want Region 10 local government units to be caught-off-guard to the possible impacts of an earthquake that might strike our areas as the recent earthquakes remind us how it could severely affect our establishments, our communities, and especially our people,” DILG-10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe said.
With this, director Agabe urged the region’s governors, mayors, and punong barangays to aim for a disaster resilient northern Mindanao by revisiting and reviewing their Earthquake Hazard Map (fault line) and by updating or preparing (if not yet existing) their Contingency Plan for Earthquake.
Moreover, the LGUs are also advised to review their Infrastructure Audit Results, if available, and take appropriate actions for those structures that have not complied with the National Building Code of the Philippines.
“Duck, Cover, and Hold’ is not enough when it comes to earthquakes. Let us prepare for the worst and let us not limit our preparedness measures,” Agabe said. “Take a lead [LGUs] in conducting Infrastructure Audit on government-owned structures and other structures where people converge, such as supermarkets, malls, churches, and PUV Terminals.”
Agabe also directed to conduct Information, Education, and Communication efforts in their areas for the community and family to prepare on all types of disasters. (dilg x)
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