RDCC Early Warning Group strengthened
The OPLAN Ugnayan, the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council’s (RDCC) Communication and Warning Group has strengthened its network to 186 members all over the country, with volunteers increasing.
OPLAN Ugnayan chair Engr. Nestor Antonio Monroy said the concerns of the network is not limited to involvement of government agencies alone but with the communities that must be actively participating, hence, the expansion of networks.
Monroy said there are volunteers from Regions 1, 4, 7 and the NCR that have joined the group in an exchange of information across areas that calamities and weather disturbances may affect anytime.
He said the exchange of even the most trivial information and observations about the weather and the environment becomes very important as small incidents may result to bigger, uncontained adverse impacts on peoples and communities at varying degrees.
Monroy added that PAGASA has also been part of the network, and has assured the network of volunteers that they will be provided with daily weather updates through their email addresses or cell phone numbers.
Monroy further said that experience during the onslaught of typhoon “Frank” proved that cell phones are indispensable and effective means of communication that have reached volunteers and local government units at a relatively faster time.
They have also formed the Tigum-Aganan Flood Early Warning communication Network as flooding has been most disastrous and frequent in recent experiences of the Ilonggos.
The network of volunteer communicators come from the municipalities of Alimodian, Maasin, Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara, San Miguel, Pavia and Iloilo City, where the mayors, the members of the Philippine National Police and the Deputized Disaster coordinators are actively involved for immediate and regular exchange of information.
Monroy said that they are also organizing “Bayanihan” Teams from immediate communities and other sectors, including the religious sectors. (PIA6/ESS)
