READYING the city of Manila for disasters and calamities, Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Thursday acquired a P30-million state-of-the-art mobile command center to facilitate emergency search-and-rescue operations in the capital city.
Estrada said the acquisition of the MCC was the latest addition to the continuing upgrading and modernization of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as well as its auxiliary rescue units and volunteer groups in each of the 896 barangays of Manila.
“We utilize our disaster mitigation funds by upgrading MDRRMO’s equipment, facilities and gears, that’s always part of my priorities—to make Manileños safe,” Estrada said.
Estrada said he acknowledged the land area of Manila, most of which is below sea level, was one of the megacities worldwide most vulnerable to cyclones, superstorms, and earthquakes.
It also has the highest number of people exposed to natural disasters, according to the Natural Hazards Vulnerability Index.
“This is why we continue to equip our rescue units and boost our disaster response capabilities. When disasters strike, precious lives are lost. We ought to protect the safety of each Manileño,” Estrada pointed out.
The MCC trailer functions as a highly movable command-and-control office from which emergency operations can be directed and organized. It has work stations, a conference room, a galley, and a lavatory.
There is access to telephone, radio, and audio/video equipment along with wireless communication systems, according to Johnny Yu, officer-in-charge of MDRRMC.
“The mobile command center is a vital component in rescue operations; from there, we can manage the situation properly and efficiently even if the incident is critical. Additionally, during inclement weather and dangerous environments, command center units are very efficient,” Yu explained.
Through the MCC, Yu said ground commanders could plan rescue operations, direct, communicate, and control units on the ground and coordinate with other emergency organizations more effectively.
“Even the mayor or the president of the Philippines could direct all operations here,” he said, adding it could also be used for law enforcement and surveillance operations.
Disaster readiness and resiliency is one of Estrada’s priority programs. He has poured in over P600 million for continuous disaster risk reduction and response capability building at the grassroots level.