Brgys urged to train on disaster mitigation

CEBU, Philippines - Barangays should be exposed to trainings and seminars on disaster prevention and mitigation, a disaster official in Mandaue City said, following the January 29 fire that gobbled up 90 houses.

Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) Chief Felix Suico Jr. has encouraged barangay officials to be ready for disasters and calamities by providing trainings and seminars to their volunteers.

He said this will help minimize damages and prevent casualties.

Suico’s statement came on the heels of the Ibabao-Estancia and Guizo fire which left 206 families homeless and one child dead last week.

Suico said calamities like fire can happen anytime, and the only way to minimize the damage is to prepare each of the 27 barangays in Mandaue.

The DRRMO head said barangays should capacitate its volunteers so they can be ready for calamities and disasters. If they cannot afford to provide these trainings, he said their office can do it for them.

Suico said residents can also be tapped to become volunteers so they already know what to do in case of fire.

DRRMO was among the first responders to last weeks’ fire, which was caused by a substandard electric fan overheating.  (FREEMAN)