Disaster management center soon to rise in South Leyte
By Bong Pedalino
MAASIN CITY (30 September) -- A command and communication center in the event of disasters will soon stand within the premises of the provincial capitol grounds here as a preparedness and mitigating measure for a place which has been classified as vulnerable to natural calamities.
On Friday, September 28, Gov. Damian Mercado and Cong. Roger Mercado led other officials in the groundbreaking ceremonies to "signal the start of the construction of the 70 square meter, two-storey Provincial Disaster Management Center (PDMC) building, one of the first major civil works of the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction-Southern Leyte Landslide Disaster Assistance Project (JFPR-SLLDAP)," a press release on the project said.
The JFPR-SLLDAP was funded through the Asian Development Bank, which was approved last December 18, 2006, the press statement further said.
It was learned that the new structure has a total cost of P 2,856,412.90.
In his brief message during the groundbreaking rites, Gov. Mercado cited the upcoming edifice as "a reource and coordination center on disaster risk management, ensuring preparedness and readiness when disasters do strike."
"Let us pray that we be spared any calamity, even as we say 'thank you' for the assistance," Gov. Mercado stressed. "We promise our donors to take care of the building and of our 101% support," he added.
A miniature replica of the project was subsequently unveiled, followed by the pouring of concrete to the capsule after it was laid down below the ground.
When finished, the center "will be provided with radio equipment, rescue tools and equipment for disposal during disasters... will maintain the provincial disaster-related database for quick retrieval in the event of disasters.
"Transport equipment such as pick-ups, motorcycles, and rescue boat will be provided to the center for deployment during disasters," the press release also said. (PIA-Southern Leyte) [top]
