The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) in Western Visayas is ramping up its preparedness measures in anticipation of the potential impacts of the La Niña phenomenon.
With flooding and related disasters on the horizon, OCD Western Visayas Director Raul Fernandez assured the public that the agency, along with local government units (LGUs), is well-prepared to respond.
“We are prepared. Over the past few months, we’ve visited various LGUs to assess their readiness, and they are well-prepared,” Fernandez said, highlighting their comprehensive and proactive approach.
Fernandez has been visiting different areas to verify their preparedness, especially in light of the anticipated severity of La Niña compared to the recent El Niño. He noted that LGUs are ready with the necessary human resources, search and rescue teams, and essential equipment.
To boost these efforts, Fernandez requested a detailed list of assets and capabilities from LGUs to identify any additional support needed. Many have already pre-positioned food packs in strategic locations to ensure swift access during emergencies.
OCD Western Visayas also strategically placed welfare goods across the region, ready for immediate distribution, if needed. In addition, the agency collaborated with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces of the Philippines for search and rescue operations.
The Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) established a Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) Team through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with various uniformed sectors.
The SRR team, consisting of 16 members from organizations such as the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, Coast Guard Iloilo, and Philippine Red Cross Iloilo, aims to enhance rescue operations and ensure “zero casualties” during disasters.
PDRRMO Chief Retired Colonel Cornelio Salinas said he is confident in the SRR team’s ability to improve rescue efforts across municipalities. A joint operations center will also be set up to handle real-time information, resource allocation, and disaster response.
OCD Western Visayas is preparing to activate the Regional La Niña Task Force, which will include representatives from key agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and PAGASA, among others. This task force will ensure a focused and coordinated response to any calamities brought by La Niña.
Fernandez reassured the public that sufficient funds are available to address La Niña-related emergencies.
This year, Western Visayas already faced significant challenges, including P1.7 billion in damages from El Niño and the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Negros Island. With La Niña approaching, the region remains vigilant and ready for any eventuality.
