Operation Listo’ in Zambales

IBA, Zambales — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched the Operation Listo Disaster Preparedness Manual in Zambales in an effort to beef up capabilities of local government units (LGUs) to prevent severe loss of properties and lives during calamities specifically typhoons.

“Disaster preparedness is a key element to reduce and minimize the impacts of disasters. After all, we are responsible not just for our own safety but also for the safety of our communities,” DILG Regional Director Florida Dijan said during the launch.

“This manual assists LGUs in formulating plans, allowing them to know if they are ready, and what they need to do to meet the minimum levels of readiness. It likewise assist them in planning for disaster response as it sets the ground on what they need and can ask from DILG to reinforce them long before any typhoon arrives,” Dijan added.

For his part, Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. reminded the LGUs to enhance their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Plan and ensure that it is realistic, measurable and attainable.

“DRRM Councils have to regularly convene, and must be well trained and capacitated to further improve the disaster preparedness and response capability of localities. Moreover, they must establish a standard protocol in coordination with the three disaster incident command centers of Zambales,” Ebdane stressed.

Operation Listo contains three critical preparedness actions: Alpha (Yellow), Bravo (Orange), and Charlie (Red).

Alpha actions are done by LGUs inside the cone but are farthest from the direct typhoon track.

Moreover, Bravo presumes Alpha actions have been done coupled with additional acts that are essential for LGUs near the vicinity of the direct typhoon path.

And lastly, Charlie assumes that Alpha and Bravo actions have already been done and additional acts must be done to address the severe threat of the typhoon of those LGUs in its direct path.

Accompanying the manual are checklists on Minimum Critical Preparations for Mayors; Early Preparations for Mayors; and those meant for Municipal Local Government Operations Officers, Chiefs of Police, and Fire Marshalls. (PIA 3)