Iloilo City’s local government and volunteer groups are fully prepared to respond to worst-case scenarios for a major earthquake, known as the “big one,” as stated by officials on Tuesday.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) – Disaster Response Division head Darwin Papa highlighted the city’s resources, including three rescue trucks capable of medium rescue and penetrating big concrete structures. They also have equipment for lifting collapsed objects. “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,” Papa said in an interview.
The CDRRMO-Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team includes 10 technical rescuers trained in collapsed structures, hazardous materials, and confined spaces. They conduct cross-training with organizations like the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Red Cross, and Iloilo Citizens Action Group Volunteer Fire Brigade. “Our personnel and volunteer fire organizations have the same knowledge and capability to utilize our equipment in the city,” Papa added. The City Engineer’s Office has partnerships with construction firms for access to equipment like backhoes and cranes, and high-rise buildings must hold quarterly drills.
Iloilo City’s response readiness was demonstrated at the first KABALAKA Expo in August, focusing on community-based disaster preparedness. Meanwhile, the city government has scheduled earthquake drills from Wednesday to Friday, starting with the first and second floors of city hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by other floors over the next two days. The drills will involve city employees initially and extend to the public on Friday.