ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Government has released P68.47 million to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities across the province, financing evacuation centers, rescue vehicles, early warning systems and other critical infrastructure aimed at protecting communities from natural disasters.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the distribution of financial assistance to selected municipalities and barangays at Casa Real de Iloilo on Monday, November 9.
Of the total allocation, P39.57 million will finance disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) projects in several municipalities, while P28.9 million will support emergency response and evacuation facilities in 21 barangays.
The funding is intended to improve the capacity of local government units (LGUs) to prepare for disasters, conduct rescue operations, evacuate vulnerable residents and provide immediate assistance during emergencies.
Among the municipal projects are the acquisition of a patient transport vehicle for Igbaras, a fiberglass rescue boat and the construction of a municipal evacuation center in New Lucena, and the improvement of an existing evacuation center in Zarraga.
Calinog will receive assistance for emergency response equipment and an early warning system, while San Enrique will benefit from the renovation of an evacuation center and completion of its Emergency Operations Center.
In Balasan, the funding will support slope protection works and the establishment of a resilience hub or operations center to strengthen the municipality’s disaster preparedness and response operations.
At the barangay level, the P28.9-million allocation will finance emergency response vehicles, rescue boats and evacuation centers intended to improve the ability of communities to respond to disasters without relying entirely on municipal or provincial rescue teams.
Evacuation centers will be established in Barangays Igtalongon, Alameda and San Ambrosio in Igbaras.
Other barangays in Oton, Alimodian, San Miguel, Zarraga, Passi City, San Enrique, Ajuy, Barotac Viejo, Estancia and San Rafael will receive assistance for emergency response vehicles and rescue boats.
Balasan mayor Filomeno V. Ganzon expressed gratitude to the provincial government for supporting disaster recovery, preparedness, mitigation and emergency response programs.
“This assistance will greatly help strengthen our municipality’s capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, ensuring the safety and welfare of our constituents. Thank you, Gov. Toto, and the entire Iloilo Provincial Government, for your continued support and commitment to building safer and more resilient communities,” Ganzon said.
Defensor turned over the check for Balasan’s resilience hub or operations center to Vice Mayor Manuel C. Ganzon and Chinky Diolosa of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office./PN
