0730081

PRESS RELEASE
Public Information Office-City Mayor's Office
July 30, 2008

Bacolod City is WASARE ready

     In line with the National Disaster Consciousness Month, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) urges Local Government Units (LGUs) to conduct Water Search and Rescue Exercises. Memorandum Order no. 11 series of 2008 of the NDCC states that all LGUs are required to conduct the water search and rescue exercises.

     The Bacolod City Rescue Group conducted the Water Search and Rescue drill at the Bredco Port yesterday.

     Based on the evaluation of Coastguard Chief Edgar Ybañez , Bacolod City is now considered as Water Search and Rescue (WASARE) ready because of its personnel preparedness and equipment capability to conduct water search and rescue operations.

     Executive Assistant Joemarie Vargas said that the Bacolod City Government Rescue Group can now be deployed anywhere in the Philippines because of its personnel and equipment capability as water rescue groups.

“This is the first water and rescue exercise in the whole Western Visayas because we are the only LGU with enough personnel and equipment for rescue purposes,” said Vargas.

The water rescue drill was participated by all rescue groups in the city – Bacolod Federation of Rescuers Organization (BACFRO), Amity Chamber rescue group, Bantay Dagat, Philippine Coastguard, Squadron and Patrol 117 rescue group.

     Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Councilor Bobby Rojas also attended the drill.

     During the water rescue drill, there are 21 “victims” who were rescued by several rescue groups.

    Vargas further said that the memorandum came after the sinking of the MV Princess of the Stars.//PIO-Press release (tintin dinglasan)