CCDRRMO told to provide data of critical structures

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council approved a resolution directing the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) to provide an updated inventory of evacuation centers, buildings, and structures in the city designed for disaster response.

Councilor Paul Labra filed this resolution requesting an assessment of the impact of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit northern Cebu, which also affected Cebu City.

The request also asks to include a report on the current conditions and capacities of these structures in the aftermath of the September 30 earthquake.

The measure is supported by the provisions outlined in Section 12 of Republic Act No. 10121. This section mandates the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO)—which, in the case of Cebu City, is the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) established under Cebu City Ordinance No. 2501—to maintain a comprehensive database.

This database should include information about human resources, equipment, directories, and the locations and capacities of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and evacuation centers.

The earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30 caused significant structural damage and displaced many families. This situation has heightened the urgent need to assess the readiness and safety of evacuation centers, public buildings, and other facilities designated for disaster response.

The resolution emphasized that an updated and comprehensive inventory of these facilities, including their structural integrity, accessibility, and current capacities, is essential for the Cebu City Council to make informed policy decisions, allocate resources, and strengthen the city's disaster preparedness and response strategies.

In line with this, the approved measure also directs the CCDRRMO to submit to the City Council, within 10 days, an updated inventory of all evacuation centers, buildings, and structures utilized or designated for disaster response, together with their present conditions and capacities.

In another resolution filed by Councilor Nyza “Nice” Archival, it also “strongly urged the Human Resource and Development Office (HRDO) and the CCDRRMO to conduct Basic Survival Skills Training for interested employees.”

This initiative was proposed to address the frequency and severity of natural disasters, accidents, and unforeseen emergencies, highlighting the critical need to enhance individual preparedness and equip communities with essential survival skills.

Councilor Archival’s resolution is also anchored on the provisions of Republic Act No. 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, which mandates LGUs to promote a culture of disaster preparedness and ensure the safety and resilience of communities.

It further states that the conduct of Basic Survival Skills Training will equip employees with life-saving knowledge and practical skills such as Basic First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Emergency Response, Evacuation Procedures, Fire Safety, and Crisis Management.

It added that the training should be accessible and inclusive, and that collaboration with certified emergency response professionals should be pursued to ensure the training's effectiveness and credibility. (CEBU NEWS)