It will be more fun–and-safe in Pangasinan
OPLAN: SumVac
LINGAYEN– Summer holiday-goers heading for the beach here in the capital town are assured of added efforts to ensure their safety in local beaches to make their vacation “more fun” in Pangasinan.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has launched Oplan: SumVac (Summer Vacation) with a target of zero drowning incidents in the province.
PDRRMC Spokesperson Avenix Arenas said part of the plan its water search and rescue (WASAR) team trained on the latest techniques on search and rescue efforts and the Provincial Health Office emergency response team have been dispatched to monitor swimming and bathing on the beach.
Meanwhile, the council is presently on ‘blue alert’ status, which means the tactical operations center has a skeletal force that will respond to alert calls 24 hours daily, Arenas said.
The provincial government has previously procured service vehicles, heavy equipment, and rubber boats for rescue efforts.
The government has also erected beach towers manned by trained lifeguards, with a plan to construct bigger and more durable watchtowers.
“Part of the preparedness plan is to construct additional beach towers since the prescribed distance between beach towers is 100 meters,” Arenas said in a television interview.
Signages in four languages – Pangasinan, Ilocano, Filipino and English – have also been set up in strategic locations for both local and foreign visitors.
Arenas said a dialogue among the PDRRMC, barangay officials and shed owners yielded fruitful efforts to strengthen coordination in ensuring public safety in the beaches.
At the same time, Arenas warned beach frolickers not to swim when under the influence of liquor and when the waves are too high.
The PDRRMC is currently led by retired Army Col. Fernando De Guzman. (PIA-Pangasinan/ Venus Sarmiento)
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