Zambales ends observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month

by Rebecca Grace S. David

Olongapo City -- Zambales recently ended its month-long celebration of National Disaster Consiousness focused on the theme "Itaguyod ang Kaunlaran ng Bayan, Kalamidad ay Paghandaan."

Olongapo City Disaster Coordinating Council scheduled activities designed to create awareness on the need for disaster preparedness, including: declogging of drainage systems in all 17 barngays, a July 21 citywide simultaneous earthquake safety drill in all schools, establishments, and government offies;

Blood letting program at the Olongapo City Convention Center supervised by the Pilippine National Red Cross and the City Disaster Coordinating Council; three-day Advanced First Aid training for volunteer groups held July 24-26, also at the Convention Center; and a culminating two-day Water Safety and Rescue training at the Ocean View Beach Resort last July 28-30.

There were also month-long activities like the reforestation drive where students and employees plant ed trees in designated areas identified by the Disaster Management Office.

Rain gauges were installed along bridges in the city as early warning systems for flood mitigation.

As information support activities, disaster management officers appeared in TV and radio interviews in STV 6 and radio station DWGO.

Likewise, brochures, posters and leaflets were distributed in all the barangays to inform residents on what to do before calamities occur.

Prior to all these activities, the city distributed Motorola base and handheld radios to member-agencies, volunteer groups, rescue teams, barangay officials and fire fighting teams. (PIA Zambales)