BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Monday, September 16, reactivated the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Action Center to oversee response operations for tropical depression "Gener."
The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils were ordered to activate their emergency operation centers, monitor their areas of responsibility, and provide emergency response and advise to those living in flood and landslide-prone areas.
The Smart City Command Center will be on blue alert status to coordinate frontline actions.
The General Services Office will advise barangays on proper management of wastes to prevent scattering and flooding at the City Camp basin.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will ensure that relief goods and the various evacuation centers are ready whenever needed.
The City Engineering Office (CEO) and City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), apart from conducting the rapid damage assessment and needs analysis (RDANA), will be on hand to monitor the city lagoon and other waterways and conduct clearing operations and rescue operations when needed.
The City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) will inspect and clear tree branches that pose danger to life and property and the City Health Services Office (CHSO) will activate all Health Emergency Response Teams and ensure availability of district health centers for medical emergencies.
The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) and the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) will ensure peace and order and will serve as first responders and augmentation to rescue and evacuation teams.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will ensure delivery of emergency response to fire incidents, medical, and rescue.
Reserve units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines were requested to preposition equipment and detail personnel to mobilization area and operation centers when necessary.
The public is advised to stay informed, alert and vigilant for their safety.
The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) has prepared needed personnel, equipment, and materials on standby for quick dispatch once the Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) declares a red alert.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Region 2 and the 11 district engineering offices (DEOs) have activated their Disaster and Incident Management Teams for Gener.
The DIMTs are on alert status to monitor the condition of national roads and bridges in the region.
The agency assured that quick response assets are on standby.
Meanwhile, the Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela is open to light vehicles. Other vehicles were advised to take the Daang Maharlika as alternate route as the overflow bridge is underwater.
The DPWH said all other national roads ang bridges in Region 2 remain passable.
This city is under storm signal No. 1 as of 5 p.m. on Monday. Classes were suspended from pre-school to senior high school.