Robredo urges LGUs to activate disaster councils

MANILA, Philippines - With the continuous spewing of volcanic ash and debris by Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon province, governors and mayors were urged to activate their respective disaster risk reduction management councils in order to prepare residents for possible evacuation in case of a hazardous eruption.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo directed DILG regional and field officials to coordinate with the municipalities of Juban, Irosin, Casiguran, Gubat , Barcelona and Bulusan to ensure that their local disaster councils have been activated and all necessary mechanisms are in place.

Robredo said proper preparation would surely help residents reduce the effect on their lives.

He also directed DILG regional director Blandino Maceda to extend the necessary support and assistance to the eruption affected LGUs in the formulation of a responsive and doable contingency plan, as well as to coordinate with other agencies of the government to ensure the continuous delivery of basic services to the public.

At the same time, Robredo ordered the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection to closely coordinate with the local government units in handling the situation in areas around Mt. Bulusan.

“I also urge the local PNP and BFP to work hand in hand with the LGUs and to be prepared for any eventuality,” he said.

Robredo said police and firemen must play vital roles preparing residents in the towns of Juban, Irosin, Casiguran, Gubat, Barcelona and Bulusan, who are directly affected by volcanic ash from Mt. Bulusan.

Mt. Bulusan continued to become restless in the past few weeks, ejecting a voluminous ash that drifted and covered villages in the southwest flank of the volcano.