Lessons from the monsoon rains

THE recent onslaught of a 15-day downpour that hit the province caused by monsoon rains will by no means be the last. It was not one of those calamitous typhoons but still it was enough to cause some damage to properties and lives.

It could have been worse but thankfully, our local government units were readier than ready to meet the emergency situation. Nothing could prevent the wrath of nature from taking its toll but it is reassuring that finally our governments stepped up and prevented more loss and damages. Additionally, there was no reason for the San Roque Dam to release water at anytime.

In a manner of speaking the monsoon rains was a perfect dry run for the worse to come in the months ahead. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) and its networking and in coordination with other municipal and city DRRMCs has proven to be effective, and we can only pray that this will hold if not improve, before a destructive typhoon hits home again.

Among several instructive lessons to be had from the unexpected flooding are: the urgent need to dredge the rivers, and to provide barangays, known to be traditionally prone to flooding, with more rubber boats to ferry and transfer residents to safety; to create more awareness on health dangers posed by floods by intensifying information on diseases normally acquired from flooding in communities.

 

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Typically Danding

THAT billionaire Danding Cojuangco has forgiven Chiz Escudero for his indiscretion – bolting Danding’s Nationalist People’s Coalition in 2010 – another truism in the nation’s political fiber has been re-stressed in the ensuing scenario:  The only thing permanent in politics is one’s personal interest.  Chiz left NPC when he was denied financial support by Danding in Chiz’s 2010 presidential bid, angering Danding no end.  But the PUNCH learned during the wake recently of Tarlac Rep. Henry Cojuangco that Danding, Henry’s brother, had forgotten about Chiz’s immature move to bolt NPC [Chiz was among the first politicians to pay his respects to the fallen Henry].  So, if reports prove true that Danding will support the Grace-Chiz presidential team in 2016, do not be surprised one teeny-weeny bit.

While Chiz ate his pride, Danding, a known kingmaker, was only too happy to back up a team with the strongest chances to win.  But this is still not a guarantee as shown by recent statements being attributed to some NPC members – that there is still no official declaration of support. So, only one thing is certain, he will only back a winner.

He is no tycoon for nothing.

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