BAGUIO CITY, March 3 (PIA) – – The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC), in line with its goal of ensuring disaster- resilient communities in the region, hosted a webinar – workshop on Cordillera Earthquake Preparedness and Readiness Planning dubbed as “Oplan Metro Yakal Plus Mate.”
Conducted from March 1 to 3, the virtual activity was attended by officials and representatives of CRDRRMC member agencies, local government units and local DRRM offices. They had breakout learning sessions that focused on four thematic areas namely: hazard risk assessment, socio economic assessment, assessment to lifeline and contingencies, and response cluster readiness.
Guest presenters for the webinar plenary session were Phivolcs Geology, Geophysics, Research and Development Division Chief Dr. Arturo Daag on Faults and Seismic Profile in the Cordillera Administrative Region, and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Public Safety Office Chief Aldo Mayor discussed Oplan Metro Yakal Plus on Response and MMDA Capability/Equipage and Training/Competency Building Initiatives.
National DRRM Council Executive Director Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad represented by Director Susana Juangco provided an inspirational message for the activity.
CRDRRMC Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Albert Mogol outlined the importance of enhancing preparedness against any ground shaking as the country is prone to earthquake as it is located in the so called Pacific Ring of Fire. The Cordillera with its mountainous terrain also has its share of experiences during the 7.8 magnitude 1990 Luzon killer earthquake.
‘The formulation of the Cordillera Earthquake Preparedness Plan shall be our chance to harmonize our plan with the 2019 National Contingency Plan for 7.2 magnitude earthquakes and along with the Cordillera Regional Disaster Response Plan for Earthquakes, it will strengthen our goal to ensure disaster resilient communities in the region,’ Mogol said.
A Cordillera version of that of the MMDA, this plan will be adopted and institutionalized, and will serve as the formal document that will provide a clear direction, policies and protocols in earthquake preparedness actions. It can also serve as guide for local government units for a localized earthquake readiness plan, he added.
“Pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa pa rin ang isa sa mga susi upang mapagtagumpayan natin ang ating adhikain, ang ating mantra na – Safer, more adaptive and resilient Cordillera” Mogol said. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
