Malenab in command of DPWH disaster task force team

SAN NICOLAS, Ilocos Norte, August 7 – With the onset of rainy season, the Department of Public Works and Highways here has created a disaster task force team that will provide rescue and quick response operation during disasters.

Engr. Mathias Malenab, DPWH 2nd engineering district head based at this town, said the creation of the District Disaster Risk Reduction Management Team (DDRRMT) is in coordination with the provincial government’s Provincial Resiliency Task Force (PRTF).

Malenab is the team’s overall office- in-command.

The task force is the new version of the Provincial Risk Disaster Reduction and Management Council meant to include threats on terrorism and possible outbreak of diseases as part of their action plan.

Governor Imee Marcos said the PRTF “aims to prepare Ilocos Norte towards unexpected eventualities based on the province’s given and uncontrolled situations”

Meanwhile, Malenab said the DDRRMT is composed of three groups namely: the quick response and rescue operations group which takes charge of search and rescue operations before and during calamities; the administration and logistics group to coordinate with national government agencies and local government units, including non-government organizations, on evaluation of damages; and the assessment and evaluation group which is in-charge of overall assessment and post-evaluation of damages in towns within their jurisdiction.

Malenab also said that aside from their manpower, all DPWH vehicle and equipment will be mobilized during calamities. (ARIEL PAOLO A. TEJADA)