ILOCANOS URGED TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVOCACY

Stressing that the impact of climate change is alarming, Gov. Ryan Singson has urged Ilocanos to promote environmental protection advocacy as the provincial government, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), has recruited and trained more than 400 rescue volunteers to be disaster gladiators in this First Class Province.

In view of typhoon “Ineng’s” fury that devastated this No. 1 virginia tobacco- producing  province, including Ilocos Norte, Gov. Singson said that “the wrath of nature should not be taken for granted  and it’s time to do our share.”

The governor directed all Local Government Units (LGU’s) to strengthen their disaster preparedness plans and recruit and train more rescue volunteers who will serve as ‘saviours’ during calamities especially when strong typhoons slam the province.

Singson, who led the Rescue Team in the coastal town of Caoayan at the height of typhoon” Ineng”, said that the threat of Abra River has alarmed residents of  flood -prone areas in Metro Vigan such as the towns of  Caoayan, Santa, Bantay, Sta. Catalina and the Heritage City famous for its “Castillan Homes”

In assessing the impact of the recent typhoon, the former First District Congressman recommended to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the dredging operations in all rivers in coastal areas to lessen the impact of storm surges and flash floods.

The impact of continuous heavy rains wrought by “Habagat” has triggered landslides or rockslides in the upland towns such as San Emilio and Lidlidda which were isolated due to unpassable roads that rescue and relief operations teams cannot penetrate.

PDRRMC Action Officer Michael Chan also reiterated that during the DILG’s Oplan Listo launching recently, the Abra River remains a threat to low-lying areas in the province due to denuded forests in Abra, Mountain  Province and Benguet.

Badly hit by “Ineng” in the province that led to massive evacuation of residents were the towns of Caoayan, Santa, Narvacan, Sta. Maria and Candon City where its Bailey Bridge collapsed  due to flash floods as “Habagat” poured in  its heavy rains.

Meanwhile, about 70 houses were destroyed by whistling tornado at Barangay San Sebastian in San Vicente town, famous for its wood furniture and statues, during the storm. # Source - (VHS/Ben P. Pacris/PIA-1/ Ilocos Sur).