Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista wants a more standardized and systematic approach to barangay-level disaster response and management.
During the First Responders Training session for Barangay DRRM committee members at the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction Management headquarters, Bautista said the standardized disaster response is a continuous drive to improve the city’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
According to the mayor, a standard system is needed to ensure the city’s 142 barangays follow the same protocols and procedures in emergency management and response.
“Are we together? We have different concerns, different for each barangay. There must be one system. That’s where we can see our unity,” Bautista said.
He emphasized the need to set a standard in barangay-level disaster response to ensure that all barangays are following the same track in protocols and training.
Bautista also proposed holding localized barangay-level Gawad Kalasag seminars to ensure that best practices are met.
“Even though each barangay has the complete equipment, we still need a system. That’s what we are lacking. If all 24 areas of QC will treat itself as an island, all barangays can sustain its need during emergencies,” the mayor added.
“It would be nice to have one stature, one basic know-how. I think that is very important,” Bautista said.
Meanwhile, the Quezon City Council has approved the grant of exemption to Benby Enterprises Inc. from the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for the construction of a seven-storey commercial and office building with basement parking and roof deck at Lot 4, Block 404 Street, Barangay Manresa.
The Sangguniang Barangay and the homeowners concerned interposed no objection, as the proposed project will not adversely affect public health, safety and welfare of the community.
The location was classified as a residential zone per evaluation made by the City Planning and Development Office. The grant of exemption under Resolution No. 7245-2017 was authored by Councilor Oliviere Belmonte.