VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA)- To ensure immediate deployment of response assets and faster relief distribution, Governor Joseph C. Cua has ordered close monitoring and information dissemination from the members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) during its meeting today, April 11, Tuesday. 

During its emergency response cluster meeting, the mitigation and preparation measures for Tropical Depression 'Amang' after Catanduanes was put to Signal No. 1 was discussed where Gov. Cua emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed and updated. 

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office assured the council that it has already prepared pre-positioned goods for augmentation to affected areas. According to PSWDO Rosella T. Navar, the province has already pre-positioned 1,706 food packs from DSWD; 1,400 sacks of rice from NFA and 407 rice bags in the DSWD Capitol warehouse.

She also said that they are continuously preparing more food packs for ease of distribution once aid to the barangay and municipal level is needed.

During the meeting, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) also reported that all municipalities' disaster councils have conducted pre-assessment and disaster preparation meetings as part of the overall preparedness efforts.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on its part have also patrolled around coastal areas informing residents and fishermen about the no sail policy and have already put on standby their deployable response groups together with the Catanduanes Police Provincial Office, for any possible search and rescue operations.

Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Philippine Army have also confirmed the availability of generators, VSAT and radios for augmentation.

Heavy equipment have also been prepositioned as confirmed by the Provincial Equipment Pool Office and Provincial Engineering Office in case of augmentation needs by the Department of Public Works and Highways for clearing operations specifically in areas prone to landslides such as Bato, Baras, and San Miguel.

Medical supplies and hygiene kits are ready to be distributed according to the Provincial Health Office and Department of Health to ensure that health and sanitation needs are addressed in emergencies.

Virac Water District reminded consumers to store water in containers before a water interruption occurs, while the Department of Information and Communication Technology confirmed that VSATs and other communication equipment are ready to ensure uninterrupted communication in the event of a disaster. Philippine Army also informed that their radios are prepared for augmentation.

Municipal DRRMCs are also on alert for continuous monitoring of ‘Amang.’ (EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)