City updates its infectious diseases contingency plan
In line with the city government’s proactive stance in dealing with calamities and other emergencies, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) chaired by Mayor Benjamin Magalong conducted a tabletop exercise workshop, September 14 to 16, to test and update the Summer Capital’s emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (EREID) contingency plan that was formulated earlier.
Facilitated by the CDRRM Office under Antonette Anaban, the three-day activity was participated by CDRRMC members composed of representatives from various government offices, line agencies, utilities, communication groups, and more.
Samples of EREID include the ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and its variants.
Similar three-day updating workshops were conducted on the city’s earthquake contingency plan last August and its hydrometeorological hazards (typhoons, etc.) plan on September 7 to 9.
City Mayor’s Office chief of staff and CDRRMC action officer Engr. Felipe Puzon said the workshops are in keeping with the city government’s proactive stance in dealing with disasters and its thrust to enhance the city’s disaster resilience capabilities.
One of the city government’s core agenda for 2022 to 2025 is strengthening the city’s disaster resilience, he added.
The latest workshop included a presentation of the city’s contingency plan for EREID as of February, this year; identification of gaps, issues and challenges; presentation, consolidation and synthesis of outputs; updating thru revisions of the city’s EREID contingency plan; ways forward; and finally, agreements.
Local DRRM officer Christopher Teoxon said the plan aims to provide an effective, efficient and immediate response mechanism during EREID occurrences like the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
RA 10121 or the ‘Philippine Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010’ states that it is the function of the Local DRRMC to manage the adverse effects of emergencies and carry out recovery activities in the affected area.
The Act also mandates the LDRRMC to take the lead in preparing for, responding to, and helping the affected area recover from the effects of any disaster. – Gaby B. Keith