BAGUIO CITY(PIA) - - The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council calls on local government units in the region to scale up preparedness measures this  rainy season  as a pro – active approach in responding to the challenges that tropical cyclones may bring along with the threat of the Coronavirus disease.

CRDRRMC Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense - Cordillera Director Albert Mogol, in the June 25 full council meeting, said   there is an updated regional DRRM plan that can guide all stakeholders in the region, including a plan for responding public health emergencies such as COVID – 19.

But even with the DRRM plans in place, local government units  need  to bolster preparedness  to respond to the possible impacts of Hydromet hazards   that may be complicated by the current COVID – 19 response operations in their respective communities.

“In preparation for the Habagat season amidst the continuing threat of COVID – 19, there is a need for continuing updating and re-calibrating of preparedness and response plans from the regional down to the LGU level,” Mogol said.   

Likewise, the importance for  CRDRRMC to continuously improve and strengthen its resource and logistics management for humanitarian response and disaster relief operations.

“With targets and our commitments well set and roles clearly defined, all we need to do now is focus on doing our collective and individual tasks towards a whole – of - nation approach towards ensuring disaster and climate resilience communities,” Mogol stressed.

Engr. Hilario Esperanza of PAGASA  reported   that weather disturbances that may bring hazards to Cordillera this rainy season are thunderstorms, ridge of high pressure areas, easterlies, Inter – tropical convergence zones, tail end of a frontal system, low pressure areas and tropical cyclones.

Based on PAGASA forecast, around one to three tropical cyclones are forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this July two to three tropical cyclones each for the months of August to November and around one to two in December.

“Let us continuously strive in the attainment and pursuit of safer, adaptive and disaster resilient communities towards sustainable development for the safety, security and enjoyment of all Filipinos and Cordillerans,” Mogol said. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)