Ilocos Norte sets stronger disaster programs

LAOAG CITY – Following series of typhoons that struck the province, the provincial government has set stronger preparedness programs in times of disasters.

Gov. Imee R. Marcos convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Resiliency Council last week to map out effective preparedness and response plan during disasters.

During an interview, Ilocos Norte agriculturist Norma Lagmay noted province follows intensified disaster and emergency precautionary methods.

 She also highlighted the advice of Marcos not to overlook possible damage brought by typhoons by reaping all crops ready for harvesting to minimize possible loss and destruction.

 Saying the Provincial Agriculture Office maintains close coordination with municipal and city agriculturists in Ilocos Norte, Lagmay said the “provincial government is always ready to provide rehabilitation materials to our farmers and fishermen.”

Support such as transportation for the harvested crops before a disaster strikes and equipment in the form of mechanical and flatbed dryers are readily available at PAO.

 Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte veterinarian Loida Valenzuela said the greatest strength of the province is the Ilocanos’ age-old culture of unity as she called for the protection of animals, aside from humans, during disasters and emergencies.

She noted that these animals must be evacuated in elevated places and protected by the threat of flash floods and ripped roofs brought by strong winds during typhoons.

Ilocos Norte Social Welfare and Development Officer Lilian Rin also noted that the provincial government has a stockpile of relief goods housed in the seven satellite bodegas across the province.

 “These are prepositioned goods so that when a disaster strikes, we have relief goods immediately available for distribution,” she added.

 She added senior citizens in Ilocos Norte are the ones who are given utmost priority during disasters, saying, “let us help our elderly neighbors especially those who live near riverbanks and high-risk communities during disaster evacuation.”

Marcos had worked to make operation of the Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction Management and Resiliency Council to ensure zero casualties and less property damage especially in vulnerable areas in the province.— John Michael Mugas