CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City council has asked the Talisay Rescue Emergency Action Team (TREAT) to conduct an inventory of all equipment and to suggest what else is needed that would help the city government cope with catastrophes.
Vice Alan Bucao, chairman of the committee on public order and safety, said there is a need for the city government to take proactive measures against disasters preparedness against the impacts of calamities especially flooding.
Last Tuesday’s council session, the Talisay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council was tasked to conduct a pro-active survey of areas identified as mud and landslide and flush flood prone areas.
TREAT was also requested to submit a recommendation for an immediate course of action to prevent imminent loss of lives and properties and recommend appropriate acquisition of disaster preparedness equipment if necessary.
“The downpours can cause floods and landslides which pose the risk of significant property damage and a real threat to life and limb,” Bucao said.
Bucao said it is the primary concern of the city government to protect its constituents and to reduce disaster risks including projected climate risks and enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities at all levels.
On the contrary, the city council majority did not act on the proposed resolution of opposition City Councilor Valeriano “Val” Ylanan when he requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Mines and Geosciences Bureau to investigate and survey the mining of limestone along Lagtang and Jaclupan road to determine whether the quarrying poses danger to people and the environment.
“What is the difference between my resolution and their resolution? Pareha ra man unta mi og tumong ug tinguha nga kinahanglan ipasusi ang mga quarries dinhi sa syudad,” Ylanan said, adding that the area along Lagtang ang Jaclupan road is prone to soil erosion and landslide.
“The Mines And Geosciences Bureau (MGB) - DENR Region VII should implement their policies, laws, rules and regulations pertaining to quarry environmental protection and provide preventive measures, on a day-to-day quarry operation,” Ylanan said. – THE FREEMAN