CDRRMO: Rescue operation focusing on the

most encountered natural calamities in

dagupan city.
By:

Mark Justin S. De Vera

Submitted By: Ms. Sally Somintac

 Chapter 1
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office aims to provide integrated
direction and control at the City level in order that manpower, material, monitoring, and other
necessary resources will be made available and responsive to the disaster and calamities which may occur in
the locality.

The CDRRMO in Dagupan City is located in Careenan Streest Dagupan City. Itsgoal is to promote
the quality of life of every Dagupeńo through integrating community-based emergency preparedness and disaster
risk reduction measures at the community level.

The most encountered natural calamities in Dagupan city is typhoon

and flooding due to hightide.

 Flood: The poor elevation of the City makes it more vulnerable to flooding. Moreover, this geological
characteristic of Dagupan is the reason why the City is the catch basin of flood waters from the neighboring
towns.
 Typhoon: Typhoons are responsible for heavy rains in the upper catchment and subsequent
flooding in the city.

Function of CDRRMO on flooding:

Before a flood.

o Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

o Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
o Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an
area that has a high flood risk.
o Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the
drains of your home.
o If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal
walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
During a flood.

o Listen to the radio or television for information.

o Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood,
move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
o Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood
suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such
as rain clouds or heavy rain.
After a flood.

o void moving water.

o Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically
requested by police, fire, or relief organization.
o Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by
staying off the roads and out of the way.
o Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings
and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and
climb to higher ground.
o Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
o Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by
water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a
barricade or a flooded road, go another way.
o If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded.
o Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power
lines.
o Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads
and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it's also
slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.
o Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened
and could collapse under the weight of a car.
o Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
o Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage,
particularly in foundations.

Functions of CDRRMO on typhoon:

 Set the direction, development, implementation and coordination of disaster risk management
programs within the territorial jurisdiction
 Design, program, and coordinate disaster risk reduction and management activities.
 Facilitate and support risk assessment and contingency planning activities at the local level
 Consolidate local disaster information which includes natural hazards, vulnerabilities, and climate
change risks and maintain a local risk map
 Organize and conduct training, orientation, and knowledge management activities on disaster risk
reduction and management at the local level
 Operate a multi-hazard early warning system, linked to disaster risk reduction
 Formulate and implement a comprehensive and integrated LDRRMP
 Prepare and submit to the SP through the LDRRMC and the LDC the annual LDRRMO Plan and
Budget
 Conduct continuous disaster monitoring and mobilize instrumentalities and entities of the LGU
 Identify, assess, and manage the hazards vulnerabilities and risks
 Develop, strengthen and operationalize mechanisms for partnership with the private sector, CSOs and
volunteer groups
 Organize, train, equip, and supervise the local emergency response teams and the ACDVs
 Respond to and manage the adverse effects of emergencies and carry out recovery activities in the
affected areas
 Serve as the secretariat and executive arm of the LDRRMC
 Implement policies, approved plans and programs of the LDRRMC
 Establish a City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operation Center
 Prepare and submit report on the utilization of the LDRRMF

Issues and challenges of CDRRMO

Notwithstanding the efforts to reduce the risks and vulnerability to natural hazards facing the
country, problems still abound that hamper government’s efforts to achieve the DRRM objectives.
Unless these are addressed, putting DRRM into practice will remain a daunting task. Among the
common problems and issues encountered by various organizations are the following:

 Weak coordination and collaboration among stakeholders.

 Lack of capacity of line agencies and LGUs to perform DRRM functions.
 Less priority given to DRRM activities.
 Weak implementation of laws and policies.
 The lack of and difficulty in accessing DRRM data/information. Post-disaster focus of disaster
funds.
 Monitoring of disaster fund expenditures.
 Slow disbursement of disaster funds.
 Difficulty in tracking foreign disaster assistance.