By Freddie Lazaro
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union - Members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council-Region 1 (RDRRMC1) have braced for the onslaught of Typhoon Tisoy in the region.
Office of Civil Defense-Regional Office 1 Director Melchito M. Castro (Facebook)
Although Ilocos region maintains its blue alert status, Office of Civil Defense-Regional Office 1 Director Melchito M. Castro, who is also the chairperson of the RDRRMC1, said the council is continuously monitoring the development of the typhoon’s movements.
“We will implement our regional disaster response plan for hydro-meteorological hazards concerning the existing weather disturbance to ensure the safety of the people in Region 1,” Castro said.
He also said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 1 agency will continuously provide prompt assistance and accurate information to motorists and the general public during the onset of the typhoons and calamities.
He added that all the assets of the council members are on standby for deployment for rescue and relief operations.
“All the assets and equipment are pre-positioned at strategic locations in the region,” he said.
Castro also said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1has pre-positioned a total of 14,289 family food packs worth P5,173,126.58 in its warehouses in the four provinces of Region 1.
“The DSWD Region 1 has a total of P2,379,275 in quick response funds for disaster operations,” he said.
Meanwhile, the provincial offices of the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 1 have pre-positioned assorted medicines worth P3,068,278.06.
Castro asked all local DRRM councils in Region 1 to continuously monitor the effects of the typhoon and to conduct pre-emptive evacuation if necessary.
“I also advise the RDRRMC1 member-agencies to be on standby for possible deployment to the emergency operation center once Typhoon Tisoy will severely affect the provinces in Region 1,” he said.