Bulacan monitors implementation of ‘Oplan Ingat Paputok 2016’
By Emil G. Gamos
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 30 (PNA) — The provincial government of Bulacan headed by Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) are closely monitoring the implementation of “Oplan Ingat Paputok 2016” to ensure a safe and peaceful welcome of the incoming new year.
Alvarado said that the PDRRMO Operation Center (OpCen) is in coordination with local authorities in the three cities and 21 municipalities of Bulacan, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bulacan police, rescue teams, Provincial Public Health Office, Bulacan Medical Center, different district hospitals and other concerned agencies in preparation for the revelries of the New Year.
He said a team at the OpCen is monitoring the situation through radio, fax, telephone, mobile messages and Facebook (FB) page.
The governor and the Opcen team held a meeting with the Bulacan Medical Center regarding preparedness at the different public hospitals.
“We wanted a zero victim in the celebration of the new Year but we must be ready and prepared for any eventualities,” Alvarado said.
He also said that PDRRMC member agencies, together with the Bulacan Rescue, has recently conducted a meeting regarding Oplan Paputok .
In Bocaue town, the acknowledged fireworks capital of the country, firefighters with firetrucks have been deployed as early as Dember 23, according to Bulacan PDRRM executive officer Liz Mungcal.
She said that rescue teams with ambulances and paramedics beefed up the firefighting units already deployed in barangays Turo and Biniang 1st in Bocaue and other areas in Sta. Maria, Baliwag, San Ildefonso where rows of fireworks stall are located.
Last Thursday, the Philippine National Police headed by PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa inspected several stores in Bocaue to see to it that the regulations and guidelines of Republic Act 7183 is strictly followed.
Heavy traffic has already engulfed Barangay Turo, Bocaue as people started to flock the stores since Thursday night.
Traders said that prices of some fireworks has gone up and may stay until the last hours of 2016. (PNA)
LAP/ZST/EGGAMOS
