March 29, 2024

The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC) reiterated the need for continuous, synchronized, and pro-active preparedness and response actions on the coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and the onset of the typhoon season.

Office of Civil Defense-Cordillera Director Albert Mogol Mogol called on the council response cluster members to also prepare for the possible effects of typhoons and the afternoon rains brought by localized thunderstorms to the region, aside from the actions on Covid-19.  

Mogol made the call last week as some provinces in the Cordillera were experiencing the effects of Typhoon Ambo that battered Eastern Samar.

CRDRRMC Response Cluster chairperson and Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera Director Leo Quintilla said they are ready to provide assistance with their current stock of 22,348 family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned in eight production hubs in the region. He said P3 million is on standby for response operations.

Quintilla said 7,259 boxes of FFPs are at the production hub in Wangal Sports Complex in La Trinidad, Benguet and 242 boxes are at the DSWD warehouse also in La Trinidad.

A total of 1,619 boxes are at Camp Villamor in Bangued, Abra; 3,024 at the Aliwa Gym in Luna, Apayao; 3,722 boxes at the provincial capitol in Lagawe, Ifugao; 2,343 boxes at the multipurpose hall in Bontoc, Mountain Province; and 4,139 boxes at the 503rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera Maintenance Division Chief Nelia Antonio assured the district engineering offices are on alert and heavy equipment are   prepositioned in high-risk areas for road clearing operations when landslides occur.

Larry Esperanza of Pagasa-Baguio clarified the afternoon rains in the Cordillera are due to localized thunderstorms. – Carlito C. Dar