NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Operations Center of Negros Occidental has been placed on blue alert as of Wednesday, stepping up its preparedness for the Holy Week period to ensure a quick and effective response to any emergencies that may arise.
According to Philippines News Agency, the blue alert status commenced at 8 a.m. on March 27 and will continue until 8 a.m. on April 1. During this period, all members and agencies of the PDRRM Council, along with city, municipal, and barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs), are instructed to elevate their operational readiness to a blue alert level. This requires that 50 percent of the personnel remain on duty at all times to manage any potential disasters.
Governor Lacson has directed all DRRM units to intensify road safety protocols and station responders across various sites known for mass gatherings during this season, including places of worship, beaches, resorts, and riverbanks. Additionally, the units are tasked with the vigilant monitoring, consolidation, and reporting of all related incidents, ensuring timely communication with relevant agencies and offices.
Moreover, the disaster management teams are required to submit comprehensive reports detailing their preparedness measures, response action plans, and any incidents observed from March 27 to April 1. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station in Northern Negros Occidental also announced a heightened alert status across all ports under its jurisdiction through April 2, aimed at bolstering passenger safety and security.
Commander Paterno Belarmino Jr. highlighted the enforcement of vessel safety inspections and the pre-Holy Week deployment of personnel to assist travelers in and out of Bacolod City. Furthermore, the PCG Auxiliary 618th Squadron, Negros Occidental, has issued an advisory urging passengers to arrive at ports early and to adhere to safety protocols and emergency procedures onboard vessels. The advisory also calls for patience during peak travel times, anticipating longer wait times and potential delays but stressing the importance of calmness for the safety of all travelers.