UN-WFP strengthens Enrile town's disaster management force

By Oliver T. Baccay

Monday 15th of October 2012

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Oct 15 (PIA) -- The United Nations-World Food Programme (UN-WFP) has assisted the town of Enrile, Cagayan in strengthening its disaster risk reduction and management through the support reaching remote communities’ project.

Michelle McGonagle, program coordinator, earlier visited the town and assessed its capabilities in disaster response and preparedness. She found out that it lacks essential life-saving emergency equipment and communication tools, making problems worse for both communities and emergency responders.

In partnership with the local government unit, WFP has established a municipal disaster risk reduction and management office, equipped with a radio communion system and protocol between the municipality and its remote vulnerable barangays. An emergency generator set, life vests and an engine boat were also procured to further strengthen the capacity of the disaster office in times of disaster.

Enrile town is assessed as one of the most vulnerable towns of Cagayan during disaster as it lies along the Cagayan River. It is prone to flasfloods, erosions and landslides. Many of its remote barangays used to be isolated during flooding.

McGonagle said part of the project is the conduct of training of trainers for the establishment of technical teams in disaster response, as well as the development of an interactive mapping system.

Aside from these, an early warning device will be installed to anticipate occurrence of disasters and make the town’s emergency operation center functional and capable of responding to the needs of the people during emergencies. (TCB/OTB/PIA-2)