City steps up disaster preparedness ahead of ‘Opong’

By Jason B. Neola

IN anticipation of a typhoon forecasted to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, September 26, the City Government of Naga, under the leadership of Mayor Leni Robredo, has intensified its disaster preparedness efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of its residents.

During a meeting held on Monday, September 22, Mayor Robredo convened barangay officials, personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and members of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), which she chairs. The session focused on bolstering the city’s readiness for the coming typhoon and the rest of the rainy season.

The meeting also tackled the priorities for funding under the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund for the rest of the year, along with updates on the city’s preparedness and response mechanisms at both barangay and city levels.

Mayor Robredo emphasized the urgent need for barangay officials to identify flood-prone areas priority for mitigation actions. She also instructed village leaders to approach willing residents to adopt a family that is able to serve as a temporary shelter for evacuees.

To streamline incident reporting during disasters, the City Communication Center advised barangays to designate a single point person to avoid traffic along the communication line.

In terms of flood prevention, barangays were encouraged to organize their own de-clogging teams and identify areas where floodwater tends to stagnate. Mayor Robredo highlighted the need to clear water obstructions and remove obstructions or clogs that the barangay can handle.

CDRRMO Head Raynor Rodriguez reported ongoing coordination with barangays regarding the installation of flood warning devices. He recommended that the barangays inform the public regarding the installation to better understand the purpose of the equipment and discourage vandalism or misuse.

Meanwhile, City Councilor Areiz Macaraig’s proposal to construct a flood gate in Barangay Del Rosario received strong support during the meeting. The project is expected to play a crucial role in preventing large volumes of floodwater from entering the city.

Mayor Robredo reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to disaster resilience and called on all community leaders and residents to work together to safeguard Nagueños from the threats posed by natural calamities.

“This is a collective effort. We must be proactive, not reactive. Our goal is to prevent loss of life and minimize damage to property,” she said.

As the city braces for the incoming typhoon, Naga’s unified approach underlines its determination to strengthen local disaster risk reduction and management capacities.