PGB strengthens disaster preparedness in Bulacan with new rescue tools, ambulances

CITY OF MALOLOS —In line with its intensified disaster response and preparedness initiatives, the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) equipped the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) with additional rescue devices and tools to further enhance emergency response operations in the province.

Rev. Msgr. Pablo S. Legaspi, Jr., along with Local DRRM Officer Manuel M. Lukban, Jr. and Governor Daniel R. Fernando, led the blessing of Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue Equipment, Fire Suppression Equipment, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Equipment, and two ambulances during the Monday Flag-Raising Ceremony on July 6 held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in this city. 

The PDRRMO also turned over around 8,000 copies of disaster preparedness handbook called “Kaalaman at Kahandaan ay Katatagan sa Kalamidad (K4)” to the educational districts of DepEd Schools Division of Bulacan to further boost the alertness of the education sector in times of calamities and disaster. 

Moreover, Lukban opened the celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month this year with a theme “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas.” He also stressed the importance of strong coordination between the PGB and the residents as the province prepares for the possible impact of typhoons and earthquakes.

It can be recalled that the PGB has also ordered disaster response and preparedness agencies in the province to strengthen their earthquake readiness measures as the country braces for the potential impact of “The Big One” or the projected worst-case scenario earthquake of magnitude 7.2. 

The PDRRMO has already presented their plans and preparations during the 2nd Quarter Joint Meeting of Provincial Peace and Order Council, Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council and Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict last June.

Meanwhile, Fernando reminded Bulakenyos to always stay alert in case of emergencies, stressing the importance of their families’ safety during calamities. 

“Kaya naman mga minamahal kong Bulakenyo, maging doble ingat po tayo palagi lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad. Sobrang halaga ng bawat buhay natin, mas piliin nating unahin ang ating kaligtasan, lalo na ng ating pamilya. Kaya naman maging handa tayo palagi,” he said. ###