City disaster office starts Kalag-Kalag preparations

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council has started the emergency and disaster preparations for the observance of All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day.

Two weeks before the observance, CCDRRMC personnel yesterday started conducting inspections at the major cemeteries in the city like Pardo Catholic Cemetery, Calamba Cemetery, Queen City Gardens, Doña Pepang Cemetery, among others.

“Sa office sa disaster, 85 percent ready nata sa atong preparation sa pagsugat sa Kalag-Kalag,” said CCDRRMO operations chief Harold Alcontin.

He said the preparation is part of the city’s emergency response plan for the “Oplan Kalag-Kalag” this year and to ensure that proactive measures are implemented.

Alcontin said the disaster team has identified several hazardous spots in cemeteries that should be addressed to prevent untoward incidents.

Among the hazards noted during the inspection were the small alleys used for entrance and exits. Alcontin said they have already assigned teams to trim down trees that are posing danger to the public.

“Hangyo nato sa atong mga tagdumala sa mga sam-ang nga butangan og warning signs ang kaning sa electrical wires ug mga risky nga lugar para ma warningan ang publiko,” he said.

Alcontin said there are also obstructions along the entrance into the cemeteries that should be addressed by the city’s Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, Enhancement team.

As for the health and sanitation, he said the City Health Department will be asking the cemeteries to inform the public to avoid putting flowers inside a water bottle as it would be a breeding site for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

“Together sa atong Cebu City Transportation Office, nakig-coordinate nata para sa traffic plan and para makahibaw atong emergency responders asa moagi in case of emergencies,” he said.

Alcontin urged the public to visit the remains of their loved ones as early as possible.He said the public should also be informed ahead of time of the prohibited items inside the cemetery to avoid conflict.

Prohibited items include balloons, sharp objects, glass, among others.As for the cemeteries in the mountain area, Alcontin said disaster team will be clearing some roads that are reportedly susceptible to landslides.

He said it is important for the city to prepare ahead of time so that it could coordinate with the city’s departments and offices as to the concerns of every public cemetery like the lack of street lighting, among others. (FREEMAN)