DISASTER-READY. The provincial government of Batangas will be distributing additional multi-purpose vehicles following the continuous earthquakes in recent years. Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas on Saturday (Jan. 20, 2024) said the provincial government is committed to provide necessary preparation to make the locals and tourists alike feel secured and safe. (Photo courtesy of Batangas PIO)
BATANGAS CITY – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) here reported zero casualty and property damage from the magnitude 4.6 earthquake that rocked the province Saturday afternoon.
In an interview, Dr. Amor Banuelos-Calayan, PDRRMO head, said the earthquake was tectonic in origin and located in the town of Tingloy.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in every town under the supervision of their respective Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO),” said Banuelos-Calayan.
Intensity IV was also reported in the towns of Balayan, Bauan, City of Calaca, Calatagan, Lemery, Mabini, San Luis, San Pascual and Taal.
Banuelos-Calayan encouraged the locals to be aware of the guidelines before, during and after an earthquake.
In a separate interview, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas called on the public to heighten their vigilance as tremors have been observed growing in frequency in the past two years.
“We do not know when these disasters will happen, so we must be prepared," he told the Philippine News Agency, adding that the provincial government is intensifying its readiness.
Part of this readiness, he said, is to equip the province with multi-prupose vehicles.
"On our part, we will be distributing over 170 multi-purpose vehicles with ambulance facilities,” he said.
The vehicles were in addition to the 400 rescue vehicles distributed in recent years.
The Provincial Assistance for Community Development Office (PACD) conducted an orientation to 186 barangays this month regarding the multi-purpose rescue vans (MRVs).
Mandanas said the provincial government is committed to provide necessary preparation to make the locals and tourists alike feel secured and safe. (PNA)
