The Iloilo City Government and volunteer groups are ready to respond in case of worst-case scenarios as part of the preparations for the “big one.”

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) – Disaster Response Division head Darwin Papa, in an interview on Tuesday, Oct. 14, said the city government is equipped with three rescue trucks with a capability for medium rescue and can penetrate big concrete structures and medium-rise buildings.

They also have equipment with the capability of lifting collapsed objects when needed.

“Because we are preparing for the worst-case scenario, or the possibility of collapsed structures and trapped individuals, although we don’t want it to happen, if worse comes to worst, we have the capability, equipment, personnel and teams that are ready to respond,” he said.

The CDRRMO-Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) has 10 technical rescuers trained on collapsed structures, hazardous materials, and confined spaces.

They also hold cross-training with the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Red Cross and the Federation Fire and Iloilo Citizens Action Group Volunteer Fire Brigade in terms of equipment and personnel.

“Our personnel and volunteer fire organizations have the same knowledge and capability to utilize our equipment in the city,” Papa said.

The City Engineer’s Office has also established a link with big construction firms to utilize their equipment, like backhoes and cranes, when needed.

Further, he said high-rise buildings in the city are required to conduct quarterly drills and practice response procedures.

The response capability of Iloilo City was displayed during the first KABALAKA (KAhublagan sa BArangay para sa LApnagon nga KAhandaan sa Kalamidad) or Movement for Community-Based Disaster Preparedness Expo on Aug. 29-30 this year.

Meanwhile, the city government will have a series of earthquake drills starting on Wednesday until Friday.

The drill will start with the first to second floors of the city hall building at 9:30 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. for the third and fourth floors.

On Thursday, the drill will start at 9:30 a.m. for the fifth and sixth floors, and the seventh and eighth floors in the afternoon.

The two-day drills will be for employees of the city government while the Friday schedule will include the transacting public.PNA