Wescom conducts disaster preparedness inspection

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By Catherine Santos

In preparation to natural or man-made calamities, the Western Command conducted a Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response (HADR) inspection at Wescom Grandstand today, July 12. Wescom Commander Rear Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado led the inspection with Gilbert Baaco of the Provincial Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), Col. Gerald Gagan of Joint Task Force ICare and representatives from the Naval Forces West and 3rd Marine Brigade.

Mercado underscored in the said event the importance of disaster preparedness amidst challenge of climate change. He assured readiness among his men in responding to cases of disaster without compromising their main mandate to defend national territory and sovereignty.

Baaco, in his message, shared that the Provincial Government’s annual budget for disaster preparedness and response is around 110M, which is 5% of the province’s total annual budget.

“Yan po ang budget na puwede nating magamit anytime, pero sana ‘wag,” Baaco said. He assured everyone that in case calamities strike the province, the provincial government is fit to respond.

Meanwhile, in a separate media interview, Mecado denied that today’s inspection is in anticipation of a potential crisis in the West Philippines Sea. “It’s just a coincidence,” he said, clarifying that today’s activity is not connected to the scheduled ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the case filed by Philippines against China.