By Mar Supnad
BALANGA CITY, Bataan- Due to the threat of Habagat and based on the 10 a.m. Thursday weather bulletin of Pagasa, placing Bataan under Red rainfall warning, afternoon classes in all levels both private and public suspended in Bataan by Gov Abet S Garcia.
The National Risk Reduction continued to warn the public in Bataan of severe flooding and landslides.
As this developed, Provincial and barangay officials are now closely watching the weather disturbance as they assured of the availability of evacuation centers.
Vice mayor Aida Macalinao of the coastal Samal town said that relief and food packages are ready for those who would be affected by the calamity.
“We will immediately distribute relief assistance if the weather worsens, we are monitoring it closely,” said Macalinao.
Also the Provincial Government of Bataan led by Gov Abet S Garcia, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) lined up activities that will equip the public with knowledge and skills on disaster resilience.
“PDRRMO strives to raise people's awareness on the different threats and hazards and build their know-how on preparedness measures,” PDRRMO Head Josefina Timoteo said.
In the industrial barangay of Alas asin, Mariveles, barangay captain Robert Arcenal said that they have formed a quick reaction team to conduct rescue in times of calamities.
He said that the team is trained and can be called in times of emergencies. “ we have also evacuation centers that could accommodate evacuees anytime and we are ready for it,” said Arcenal.
Aaron Rondilla, local disaster head and administrative officer of Samal town, said a three-storey building is a 24/7 open for evacuees in times of disaster.
Rondilla said that Mayor Gene Malbiran dela Fuente and Vice mayor Aida Macalinao have readied relief packages food for the evacuees if circumstances so demand. “