Lazatin ensures ‘disaster-prepared’ city

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Admin

ANGELES CITY – Despite the ongoing pandemic, Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has undertaken measures to ensure the city is prepared in the event of a disaster, by joining the online 1st Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on March 11, 2021.

“Bagamat may kinakaharap tayong pandemya sa ngayon, importante na maging handa pa rin tayo sa pagharap sa ibang mga pagsubok tulad ng mga sakuna,” Lazatin said.

“Alam naman natin na walang pinipiling oras ang mga sakuna tulad ng lindol, kaya nararapat lamang na prayoridad natin ang kapakanan ng mga Angelenos sa lahat ng oras,” he added.

This year’s 1st quarter NSED is hosted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) via livestream for the third time. A ceremonial pressing of the button took place at exactly 2 PM.

Before 2 PM, teams from the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO) headed by Rudy Simeon, were deployed in every floor and outside of the City Hall premises to disseminate information about the earthquake drill, encouraging all employees and visitors to participate, observing safety and health protocols against COVID-19.

According to Simeon, upon the instruction of Mayor Lazatin, all city government offices are required to submit photos performing the ‘Drop. Cover. Hold.’ drill.

“Sa pamamagitan ng mga ganitong aktibidad, mas natuturuan natin ang ating mga kababayan kung paano protektahan ang kanilang mga sarili at mga mahal sa buhay sa panahon ng sakuna,” Simeon said.

In addition, ACDRRMO Operations Warning Chief Division John Humphrey Dayrit has also shared that upon the instruction of Simeon, the Research and Planning Division led by Amiel Jan Cao has tapped the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRRMC) in 33 barangays, to help reinforce the drills in their respective areas.

In fact, in preparation for the event, the city government also installed tarpaulins throughout the city, to inform and urge Angelenos to join.