Marje Pelayo • July 3, 2019 • 4092

MANILA, Philippines – Newly-elected mayor Francisco Domagoso admits they are not ready in case a strong earthquake or the so called ‘Big One’ strikes the city.

“The City of Manila is not ready. On record. Sila ang may sabi noon, (That’s what they said),” Domagoso said referring to the local disaster risk reduction management officials following a meeting with them on his second day in office on Tuesday (July 2).

Mayor ‘Isko’ ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) to draft a concrete disaster management plan or a detailed hazard map to prepare the city for potential dangers.

During the meeting, Domagoso discovered a lot of problems in terms of the city’s disaster preparedness and response.

The city lacks plans and programs for risk reduction management.

There are no measures in place to solve the decade long flood problems.

The city’s disaster response command center lacks equipment, the office looks shabby and neglected.

The CCTV cameras only cover areas within the city hall and Carriedo area.

Emergency personnel admitted they have no established emergency hotline and they usually use their personal numbers to contact the public in times of need.

The CDRRMO also lacks personnel and the city falls short in resources when it comes to health care.

According to the overall assessment report of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the city is considered a ‘total failure’ when it comes to disaster preparedness and response.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) noted the importance of prioritizing disaster resiliency in all of Manila especially its buildings and structures as it is a city prone to hazards.

“The biggest stumbling block would be the resilience of the structures. Iyon ang pinakaunang kailangang gawin. Ayusin ang mga pwedeng bumagsak na mga bahay (That’s the very first thing that needs to be addressed – fix the houses that are damage prone),” explained DOST Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS administrator Renato Solidum.

“Marami silang (There’s a lot of) hazards that need to be integrated in their preparedness,” he noted.

Mayor Domagoso warned to dismiss all concerned DRRMO officials if they will not act on the matter at the soonest possible time.

“I will fire you if you don’t admit that we are not ready,” Mayor Domagoso told them.

“You have to be honest with yourself. You can even challenge me at the Civil Service (Commission) if I fire you,” he concluded. – with reports from April Cenedoza