Consolacion town to buy equipment for rescue operations

CEBU, Philippines - In yesterday's meeting of the members of the Local Development Council chaired by Mayor Teresa Alegado, the municipal government of Consolacion agreed to prioritize the purchase of equipment needed for rescue operations during typhoons and other calamaties that may hit the town.

The purchase of rubber boats has been considered as a priority citing the problems that arose when flooding hit Consolacion last year.

Aside from equipment, Alegado said members of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council need training to be efficient.

The members of the council also agreed to request all barangay captains to strengthen their respective Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils.

Some barangay captains also voiced their concern on the existing quarrying operations at mountain barangays in the town that contributed to the flooding.

It was also agreed in yesterday's meeting that the municipal government will intensify the planting of trees that will start in the barangays.

Last year, the Municipal Council of Consolacion declared a state of calamity in 11 of the 21 barangays after being hit by floods.

The Consolacion Council declared a state of calamity in barangays Cansaga, Pitogo, Nangka, Jugan, Danlag, Garing, Panas, Lanipga, Panoypoy, Tilhaong, and Tayud.

The placing of 11 barangays under a state of calamity was based on the recommendation by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.

The council also decided to initially use P2.4 million from the calamity funds for relief operations.

Some of the money would also be used to repair damaged roads and bridges.

More than 500 families from the 11 barangays were swamped by floods last Monday. - THE FREEMAN