CEBU, Philippines - A Lapu-Lapu City councilor recently said residents in the different barangays in the city, especially in Olango Island and neighboring islets, should undergo proper training and seminars and be educated on how to respond during calamities.
Councilor Efren Herrera believes that proper seminar and trainings on disaster preparedness will minimize losses of properties and lives.
Herrera has introduced a resolution before the city council encouraging the residents of Lapu-Lapu to put up a facility where they can hide for their safety when calamities strike.
The resolution was referred to the Association of Barangay Council for their comments and recommendation.
While Herrera said that his resolution is mere encouragement, he deems proper seminar and training among residents as a way of mitigating risks.
He also cited the important role of all barangay officials being the "frontliners" in disaster response.
Earlier, Mayor Paz Radaza said that the Bureau of Fire and Protection and the personnel of Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation have been given a directive to intensify the training and seminar.
The training will also include teachers and students in all public elementary and high schools in Lapu-Lapu City.
Meanwhile, the move to provide livelihood to small fishermen in Lapu-Lapu City got the support of the city police as it would help them in their pursuit to stop illegal fishing.
City police chief Sr. Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas said that they already warned those fishermen engaged in illegal fishing to stop their illegal activities. But he admitted that one way to stop them is to provide them livelihood that can divert their attention from engaging in illegal activities.
Lawas said he directed the City Task Force Kalikasan to conduct a dialog with a fishermen group in Olango Island and neighboring islets.
According to Lawas, before they conduct arrest, they should inform first the concerned small fishermen. He said there were reports that some of them (fishermen) were coming from neighboring towns of Bohol province.
"Usa sa mga paagi nga angayan nato nga buhaton mao gayud ang paghatag og panginabuhian sa mga gagmay’ng mga mangingisda," said Lawas.
Earlier, City Mayor Paz Radaza said that the city government has provided livelihood to small fishermen in the city, especially those from Olango Island and neighboring islets. (FREEMAN)