CLARK FREEPORT – The Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office III conducted yesterday a consultative meeting for the “Big One” or the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that may hit Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The event attended by Governors Lilia Pineda of Pampanga and Albert Garcia of Bataan, Mayors, Provincial Health Officers, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers, and Regional Directors of various government offices aims to synchronize the health preparedness plan of the region, according to DOH Assistant Secretary and Regional Director Leonita Gorgolon.
Gorgolon said Central Luzon should be ready once the earthquake hits Metro Manila as it will take responsibility of the command system and will be the first responder for the northern and western quadrant of Metro Manila. She added that the region has its own provinces to take care of once the “Big One” happens.
Gov. Pineda said that provinces and national government offices in the region should not only be prepared for an earthquake but also for other calamities that may beset the region.
She also underscored the importance of the DOH, hospitals, doctors and other medical practitioners in disaster response.
The event is part of the series of consultative meetings conducted by DOH to make sure that the health preparedness plan of the region is in place once the earthquake hits the metro. –LIEZEL CAYANAN/Pampanga PIO