BEING a catch basin, the coastal province of Pangasinan is considered the most flood-prone in Region 1, which is why it is being closely monitored by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

OCD Director Melchito Castro, also the chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council  (RDRRMC), made this clarification after a television network incorrectly quoted him as saying that Pangasinan is “the most disastrous” province in Region 1.

“Of all the four provinces in Region 1, the most affected when it comes to flooding is Pangasinan,” he said during the KBP forum Thursday.

He said even with little rain, Pangasinan is easily flooded because it is a catch basin.

Castro acknowledged that the province’s own DRRMC is well-prepared and equipped but he said they remain on close coordination for immediate help during a calamity.

“We know that Pangasinan is well prepared but still we have to provide help like non-food items and we also process their calamity fund request to be approved by the (National) DRRMC,” he added.

At the same time, Castro urged local government units to provide alternative livelihoods for fishermen to prevent them from going out to sea during unsafe weather conditions.

Last week, eight fishermen from Bolinao town went missing for several days while at sea due to inclement weather, but they were eventually rescued in Candon, Ilocos Sur and returned home -safely.—Eva Visperas

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments