newsbit2012-007

     A few hours after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake shook the City of La Carlota at around 11:49 A.M. last February 6, 2012, Mayor Juliet Marie D. Ferrer convened an emergency meeting of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRRMC) to map out contingency plans in anticipation of probable aftershocks which could cause damage to lives and property.

     The members of CRRMC who gathered at the mayor’s office at 2: P.M. were Vice Mayor David T. Baga, Jr., ABC Pres. Francsico D. Oplas, CDRRM Officer Roberto Aizpuru, Jr., Arch. Lee Debulgado-CPDO, Julia Uy-CSWDO, Dr. Juliet A. Jeruta-DepEd, Engr. Joseph V. Emboltorio-CEO, City Budget Officer Ursula Tabieros, Salvador Artieda –GSO, Rodel Legaspi-BFP, Dr. Erwina Frances B. Jalandoni-CHO, Dr. Ceasar Catabas –City Vet Office, CDI Officer Ramon G. Alvañez, City Acct. Jeffrey E. Rumbines, PNP Chief Eduardo Corpuz, 1LT Franco Baylon of the 1st Scout Ranger-La Granja, Acting City Administrator Rommel C. Tam, Asst. City Treasurer Jerico Jalandoni, Executive Asst. III Edgardo G. Canlas and former Mayor Demie John C. Honrado.

     Mayor Ferrer instructed Engr. Emboltorio to immediately conduct inspection of all government and school buildings to ensure its safety. Private buildings two stories or more will also be inspected. Private individuals and institutions may also request the CEO for inspection. Dr. Jeruta of the DepEd was also instructed to postpone classes in the public elementary and high schools until the school buildings were declared safe by the City Engineer’s Office. Communication and transportation facilities and disaster volunteers from the 14 barangays were also placed on full alert. Mayor Ferrer also conferred with the La Carlota City Water District on the condition of water supply lines.

     Mayor Ferrer ordered that the CRRMC members shall be on call and on quick response status until the situation has returned to normal.

     Mayor Ferrer was the last to vacate the City Hall building with some staff members after everyone has moved to a safe ground downstairs. Later, she went on the air to broadcast that the situation was under control and the people are safe.