CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) lauded the Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) for prompt response following the 6.1 magnitude earthquake last Monday.
“The Command Center was easily set up in (heavily hit Porac) because the PDRRMC was able to convene right after the earthquake,” DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said during a Situation Briefing presided by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
“Bayanihan manifested in the province during the earthquake because when Porac was determined as the ground zero, many local government units (LGUs) volunteered to help with rescue operations,” he added.
The quick response time is also credited to the regular earthquake drill conducted every quarter.
Search and rescue teams, manpower, and resources needed were immediately available.
He noted the complete presence of local chief executives concerned led to the ease of rescue operations.
Meanwhile, DILG would issue a Memorandum to LGUs on the revocation of business permit of all branches of Chuzon Supermarket until the assessment of the structural integrity of its buildings has been completed.
Initial forensic reports disclosed that foundation of the flattened branch in Porac seems to be insufficient to support four floors. The building was supposed to just be two-storey.
Moreover, DILG issued several communications on the conduct of infrastructure audit in checking the safety of all buildings, particularly schools and government centers.