Army Prepares for Disaster
The nightmare brought about by typhoons "Ondoy" and "Pepeng" last year
left a mark in the lives of every Filipino. Now, the thought of heavy
rains during the La Nina season creates panic among the people, with a
prayer that that fateful day in September 2009 will never happen again.
This July, the whole country observes the National Disaster
Consciousness Month (NDCM). Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada,
through Executive Order 137, designated this month as such in order to
heighten public awareness on the importance of disaster prevention,
mitigation and preparedness.
The Philippine Army's observance of July as the National Disaster
Consciousness Month is widespread and involves all Army units
nationwide. Part of the disaster preparations of the Philippine Army is
the conduct of trainings on Disaster Response Operations (DRO),
enhancement of equipage and proper coordination with the local
government units, government agencies and non-government organizations.
Also, in support to the AFP's Disaster Response Task Force (AFPDRTF) and
the National Disaster Coordinating Council, the Philippine Army
conducted DRO in designated areas of operation to include cities of
Marikina , San Juan , Mandaluyong and Pasig .
Similar efforts have also been undertaken by other units of the Army in
the different parts of the country. The National Capital Region Regional
Community Defense Group (NCRRCDG) under the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM)
has conducted trainings regarding DRO with Maynilad Water District
Personnel and Joint Task Force Land at the La Mesa Dam as early as March
of this year. A similar training was likewise conducted by the 9th
Infantry Division personnel at the Headquarters Search and Rescue Unit
in the Bicol Region. A regular training and lecture on Search and Rescue
Operations was also conducted for the reservists at the Headquarters
Search and Rescue Unit 15ID RR, Fort Bonifacio , Metro Manila.
The 2nd Infantry Division in Tanay Rizal, on the other hand, has a
battle staff for any eventuality like a disaster. This battle staff
concept proved its effectiveness on the onslaught of typhoon "Ondoy"
last year. The division also has standby DRO units with personnel who
went through related trainings, and rescue equipments that are ready for
deployment anytime.
A Command's Disaster Relief and Rescue Operations was likewise organized
in the 5th Infantry Division along with a DRO training to assist the
Regional and Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council in the conduct of
DRO within the 5th Infantry Division's Area of Responsibility. The 9th
Infantry Division, for its part, came up with a Division Disaster
Preparedness Plan which included regular training, constant rehearsals
and advancement of equipage, smooth coordination and collaboration with
the different LGUs, NGOs and people's organization as well as efficient
supervisory scheme.
Meanwhile, the 3rd Infantry Division's disaster preparation includes the
conduct of the 1st Philippine Army Rescue Olympics in Region 6 at the
Headquarters of the 6th Regional Community Defense Group (6RCDG), Army
Reserve Command in Camp Hernandez , Dingle, Iloilo . The activity is a
proactive approach in Disaster Risk Management in order to ensure the
readiness of the ROTC units and Army Reserve Units in disaster
preparedness and response in support to the AFPDRTF and the Regional
Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) for the conduct of search, rescue,
evacuation and relief operations in Region 6 in the event of disaster or
calamities.
In Zamboanga, the Army's 1st Infantry Division organized a special DRO
unit within the division headquarters. Moreover, the division made a
contingency plan to conduct a division-wide Disaster Emergency and
Rescue (DEAR) training to equip the soldiers with the knowledge and
skills on disaster preparedness and rescue.
The Engineering Brigades of the Philippine Army were also mobilized for
disaster preparedness. The 51st Engineering Brigade provided trainings
and seminars on DRO to its personnel and to external audience as well
while the 52nd Engineering Brigade organized a Disaster Response Unit (DRU)
in preparation for any possible disaster within its Area of
Responsibility.
The responsiveness of units to calamities and natural disasters has been
among the priorities of the Army under Lt Gen Mapagu.
"The dynamic participation of all our team members shall enable us to
confidently and sincerely deliver our services to the people, especially
in times of natural and man-made calamities, as well as assist in the
delivery of government services," said Lt Gen Mapagu.
With the expected environmental challenges resulting from climate
change, the Philippine Army is poised to support and work with other
stakeholders in reducing the risks of disaster, preparing to respond to
emergencies, acting when needed and rehabilitating communities to usher
a return to normalcy. # |
