By Joel R. San Juan
THE Manila City government is tapping its 7,000 disaster managers to help train people in every barangay on disaster preparedness following a killer quake that hit Taiwan on Sunday.
In an interview with reporters, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said he called for a heightened city-wide disaster readiness, as he joined the international community in grieving over the casualties of the magnitude-6.4 quake that hit Taiwan.
“As we extend our deepest sympathies for the victims in this tragedy, I, likewise call on all officials and personnel of our local government, as well as on all sectors and the people in general in our city, to heighten awareness on and preparedness for earthquakes and other disasters,” Estrada said.
The mayor ordered a fully coordinated preparation and response to any possible disaster that may hit the city of Manila.
Meanwhile, Johnny Yu, officer in charge of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), said concerned city officials are still in the process of putting up the Manila Community Emergency Response Team (MCERT) in all barangays.
Part of the plan is the training of up to 7,000 disaster managers to help train community responders in every barangay.
The city government is also in the thick of preparations for the holding of the Second Manila Disaster Conference, which is scheduled next month. In 2015 Estrada called for a city-wide disaster drill and awareness that focused on preparations for safety and evacuation.
Yu said they are continuously beefing up the city’s disaster preparedness with the acquisition of rescue boats, search and rescue equipment, amphibious trucks and rescue vans.