Cebu not ready for calamities - PDRRMO: Disaster unit in “bad state”

CEBU, Philippines — Newly-appointed Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Dennis Francis Pastor didn’t hold back in assessing the current state of the disaster response unit, describing it as “not disaster-ready” and in a “bad state."

Pastor, who assumed office on July 1, said that during his initial days in the role, he found the provincial disaster office lacking in both manpower and equipment, rendering the province vulnerable.

“Surprisingly, it’s in a bad state. We are not disaster-ready. It has been neglected for the past six years," said Pastor.

With this, Governor Pamela Baricuatro has already committed to procure critical response assets, including sea ambulances and air ambulances, on top of land-based ambulances to serve isolated and high-risk areas.

"We need to improve our capabilities in terms of search and rescue. Atong ayohon para maka-responde," he said.

The provincial government now has plans to acquire at least two sea ambulances --one to be stationed in either Danao City for Camotes Island, and the other in San Remigio or Bogo City to serve Bantayan Island.

He emphasized that transporting patients from island towns is often delayed due to limited ferry schedules.

“Kung emergency, maglisod g’yud og transport... If we can expedite the procurement process, that would be better for the people, especially for the healthcare agenda,” he added.

Pastor said they are also coordinating with the Provincial Health Office to utilize funds from the Disaster Risk Management Fund to support health-related initiatives aligned with the governor’s priorities.

“The funds are available, and that is the way forward --we just improve, refurbish, refit, be strong and be disaster-ready for the remaining months of the year,” he said.

A major move also in the pipeline is elevating the PDRRMO from an office to a full-fledged department, a shift that would allow the hiring of more personnel and the establishment of dedicated response teams.

"Dako kaayo’g advantage kay kung office, limited personnel ra baya na siya… So when you have a department, ma tarong nimo ang organization, you have responders that can really respond kay right now only have three responders," he said.

The PDRRMO receives a budget equivalent to 5% of the total provincial revenue, as mandated by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act. Pastor said this is a sizeable allocation that should be maximized to improve readiness.

Pastor brings with him military experience and disaster expertise being a retired Philippine Army colonel and a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1992. Most recently, he completed a master’s degree in Disaster Management and Crisis Management from the Asian Institute of Management.

‎When asked why he accepted the challenge of leading the province’s disaster response, Pastor said, “It’s a test of service. I’m from Cebu.” — (FREEMAN)