‘DUCK, COVER, HOLD’. Barangay San Antonio, Pasig chairman Raymond Lising and Councilor Restituto Sistoso participate in the 2nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill recently conducted in their barangay in preparation for the “Big One.” Lising said being prepared at all times is what sets BSA apart from other barangays. (Photo courtesy of Barangay San Antonio)
MANILA – Even before the country's top officials called for a heightened level of preparedness nationwide, Barangay San Antonio (BSA), Pasig City has always been ready to address the community's needs before, during and after the occurrence of calamities and disasters.
Barangay San Antonio, recipient of the Galing Pook Awards for Outstanding Local Governance Programs in Disaster Preparedness and Management, always prioritizes residents' safety, especially amid trying times, Barangay chairman Raymond U. Lising said.
"Earthquake, flood, and other disasters maybe inevitable, but losing lives and properties to those is not. Prevention will always be better than cure -- totoo 'yan (it’s true). We don't want to risk our residents' safety, homes, and resources that's why we take preparedness to heart and remain vigilant 24/7, all-year round," Lising said in a news release on Monday.
Disaster preparedness
The BSA Council has various programs when it comes to calamity preparedness such as earthquake drills and building inspections are being conducted in every building.
"Even before may call ang DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government), may ginagawa na po ng Barangay San Antonio diyan (BSA is already doing something about it)," BSA councilor Restituto T. Sistoso Jr. said.
"Aside from earthquake drills and building inspections, we also give seminar on every building regarding their structural integrity. Then, we give advice on what they should do to keep their building safe. And we have closely coordinated with our city government," he continued. "Over 100 buildings 'yan. We get assistance from the engineering office for inspections, and we immediately report irregularities and seek help from the city government."
DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. earlier called on barangay councils to take the responsibility of inspecting buildings within their respective jurisdictions and ensure the stability of all the structures in their localities, stressing as well about the misconception that high-rise buildings are mostly prone to collapse and insisting that low-rise structures may also be toppled during earthquakes.
Sistoso assured that all the buildings in their area are well-monitored and that they have been preparing for the “Big One” ever since.
"Talagang naka-focus po kami sa (We are really focused for our) preparations for the ‘Big One.’ So we have regular and continuous seminars, helping them understand and identify the hazards within the perimeter of Barangay San Antonio, not only for earthquake but also for flood and even fire," stated the official from the barangay known as the Pasig’s "Central Business District".
"And these are not just for businesses, but also for households," he added.
The barangay also conducts seminars for the youth, believing on the importance of educating them so they can stay calm and know what do in times of earthquakes and other disasters.
To note, Abalos mentioned the “Big One” (high-magnitude tremor) occurs every 400 years, which is now nearing at this time. Compared to the late 1960s where Metro Manila has wide spaces, he pointed out that the region is now under a high intensity level with an ever-increasing population.
Newly appointed Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. earlier also encouraged public participation in the quarterly Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, which provides participants the necessary lifesaving skills should a major quake strike the country.
In addition, BSA also have evacuation plans, should these calamities and disasters take place.
“There are changes in our evacuation area almost every year because our village is slowly ‘losing’ these spaces meant for evacuation to development. That’s why we are continuously updating residents about possible evacuation sites near them, especially during earthquakes. We regularly revise our evacuation map,” he added. (PNA)
