Aguilar orders inspection of structures

Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar ordered the Local Disaster Coordinating Council (LDCC) yesterday to inspect old or dilapidated structures as the city implements the city‘s disaster-preparedness program.

The mayor instructed city engineer Rose Bantog, chairman of the city LDCC, to come up with a detailed evaluation of existing buildings and structures which could pose danger to lives and property.

The move came following concerns of impending natural calamities, particularly the occurrence of a strong earthquake that hit Indonesia last month. Earthquake of low magnitude have been occurring in some parts of the country recently.

While the mayor pointed out that there is no immediate cause for alarm as far as threat to structures and buildings are concerned, she said she wants to ensure that no part of the city is exposed to any possible danger in the event of a calamity.

The order came on top of an ongoing dredging and declogging operations of esteros and waterways being conducted by the engineering office in preparation for the onset of the rainy season.

"We must be prepared of any eventuality at all times, with or without any impending threat to prevent unnecessary loss of lives or property," Aguilar said.

At the same time, the mayor also reminded city schools superintendent Dr. Virginia Peñafuerte to immediately carry out emergency or earthquake drills in all public elementary and high schools and make it part of regular school activities.

The mayor also asked all private schools to coordinate with the LDCC for their own emergency and disaster preparedness drills. – Rhodina Villanueva