Collab key to quick disaster response in Sorsogon, guv says
- Bicolmail Web Admin
- Jun 6
- 4 min read
By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY --- The provincial government of Sorsogon believes that well-informed and collaborative efforts with other government agencies are essential for ensuring quick disaster response.
In an interview on Thursday, Governor Jose Edwin Hamor said the provincial disaster programs and initiatives have been integrated into his administration’s Katrangkiluhan (Peace) program.
“With this program, I want our province to be the first to respond in the event of a calamity. We demonstrated this during (Severe Tropical Storm) Kristine and recently during the phreatic eruption of Bulusan Volcano. After the ashfall, I ensure that within 12 hours, the roads are cleared and we immediately assist the affected households. If we cannot remove the ashfall, the sulfur smell persists, so I want to make it easier for the people of Sorsogon,” he explained.
Hamor said that historically, the towns most affected by the eruptions are not Bulusan but Casiguran, Juban, and Irosin.
Although the volcano is named Bulusan, during eruption events, it is primarily Irosin, Juban, and Casiguran that are impacted by ash.
“Everything is in place here. This is a collaborative effort; we take the lead, but we have the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the municipal disaster risk reduction management officers of each municipality as our partners. We have established protocols, so given the situation, we must act immediately for the people of Sorsogon,” he added.
Hamor also mentioned that when volcanic quakes reach 80, they go on red alert, as an eruption could occur at any moment. He thanked the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) for their data feedback and continuous cooperation.
“I have my timeline in motion—within 30 minutes, we need to act and be on-site,” he stated.
In the event of a typhoon, Hamor said that through the program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), they are able to provide family food packs and ensure that residents in coastal areas are evacuated before the typhoon arrives.
Addressing vehicle congestion
Hamor added that the local government is already addressing vehicle congestion at the Matnog Port.
“Before we receive complaints from the media, we need to take action. Let’s collaborate locally with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Previously, we faced daily traffic issues and were inundated with complaints, but that has changed. During the recent visit of Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, he expressed amazement at our progress. We used to experience 17 to 18 kilometers of vehicle traffic daily, but now we have managed to reduce it to just 300 to 400 meters. We consider it a cause for concern if traffic extends to one kilometer,” he said.
The blue lane refers to the outer lane of the four-lane road designated for vehicles that will board boats to the Visayas and Mindanao.
Hamor emphasized that in disaster and other emergency responses, mobility and communication are key factors for a quick and reliable solution.
He also thanked President Marcos for the increase in their national tax allotment (NTA) due to the implementation of the landmark Mandanas-Garcia ruling of the Supreme Court.
“We have been able to address the essential needs of the community by engaging with them to understand their concerns and provide the necessary solutions. Through proper meetings, consultations, and budgeting, we can make it happen,” he stated.
Hamor said he envisions a government where everyone is treated equally.
“I urge everyone to prioritize cooperation, operation, and progress for the development of Sorsogon and neighboring provinces. Let’s join hands here in Bicol. Whatever benefits we enjoy in Sorsogon can also be achieved in other provinces, especially Albay. Our progress is interconnected and relies on each other. Let’s streamline our systems, and I hope everyone will cooperate,” he said.
Emergency operations center
In a separate interview, Sorsogon PDRRMO Head Engr. Raden Dimaano stated that the state-of-the-art Emergency Operation Center (EOC) of the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office continues to monitor various situations, including the activity of Bulusan Volcano, weather conditions, earthquakes, and traffic flow through the blue lane that tracks vehicle movement.
It also oversees all ships entering and leaving Matnog Port, the gateway to Visayas and Mindanao.
“We also have an extension office in Irosin to facilitate prepositioning and management in the 2nd district. We have a generator for our contingency plan; we need power 24 hours a day, especially during disasters,” he said.
Dimaano said that 13 local government units in the province have received the Kalasag Award, indicating that their preparedness standards have been met.
More than 30 Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) solar-powered closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, along with a radio broadcast system, provide accurate information to the public as part of its communication plan.
He said the EOC offers real-time updates on various situations to ensure a prompt response. (PNA)
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