From pre-disaster preparedness to setting up evacuation centers in covered courts to meeting barangay officials, the city government of Antipolo City has intensified its preparation for the effects of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Opong.
City Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III led a meeting with all the 16 barangay officials in the city as part of the city government’s readiness measures in anticipation of the typhoon.
Mayor Casimiro "Junjun" Ynares III (center) leads the briefing on disaster preparedness on Sept. 25. (Photo from Mayor Ynares' Facebook)
During the meeting at the city hall, Mayor Ynares instructed the village officials, especially in the flood prone and landslide areas to be on alert and immediately respond to emergencies in their areas of jurisdiction.
Ynares also reminded the village chairmen and the city government’s disaster management responders to preposition the emergency and rescue equipment for easy access should the need arises.
Relly Bernardo, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) told the Manila Bulletin that village officials and disaster management personnel may implement preemptive evacuation in disaster-prone communities by Friday.
In Barangay San Cruz, several modular tents have been set up in a covered court of the village as part of the barangay’s preparation should there be a need for evacuation.
Modular tents have been set-up in a covered court in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Antipolo City
Mayor Ynares has suspended classes in both public and private schools in all levels on September 26, Friday, and Sept. 27, Saturday, as a precautionary measure due to STS Opong and the enhanced southwest monsoon.