City eyes renting chopper for emergency use

CEBU, Philippines — Negotiations are ongoing between the Cebu City government and an aircraft company for the potential use of a helicopter during emergency situations, especially in mountain barangays and high-rise buildings.

Aderson Comar, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRMO) and a retired fire marshal, told The Freeman that he and mayor-elect Nestor Archival recently met with the owner of a company that previously operated in Cebu for tourism and business flights, to discuss its possible return to the city.

During their meeting, they also explored the use of helicopters for aerial surveys and emergency rescue operations.

According to Comar, the city currently lacks equipment that can respond to incidents beyond the fifth floor of any building.

Kung para sa mga dagko nga buildings or high-rise buildings, wala gyud ta [equipment]  Naa siguro ta, kutob ra sa fifth floor,  Comar said.

He stressed the importance of preparedness and noted that this proposal had been raised in the past but was not prioritized.

Kinahanglan gyud ta naa ani.. Gi-propose na ni nako sauna, pero wala ma-finalize kay lahi man ilang gi-priority  So karon, gi-propose na pud ni nako kay basin diay nay magahin na budget  Depende man na sa availability of funds,  he added.

Although owning a helicopter would be ideal, Comar said renting one on an as-needed basis might be more practical for the city.

The city is considering a "fly now, pay later" scheme, which will be evaluated by Archival.

Kung mupalit ta, kaya man, pero ang piloto ug maintenance ana, pirting mahala, basin di makaya. So mas maayo ni nga kung kinahanglanon lang gyud, naa na tay magamit dayon kay naa naman tay na storya,  Comar said.

Given Archival s background as an environmentalist and agriculturist, Comar emphasized the need for the incoming mayor to quickly assess mountainous areas   something that would be much faster and more efficient by helicopter than on foot.

Archival is expected to focus on issues such as illegal quarrying, landslide-prone areas, and the status of agriculture.

In emergencies, helicopters could also aid in rescue efforts for high-rise structures.

We can do aerial survey kung dunay katalagman.. Nya in case nay mga panghitabo sa high-rise buildings, nay helicopter magamit unya, Comar said.

Meanwhile, the CCDRMO continues to conduct emergency drills and training sessions for schools, organizations, and private companies to enhance disaster preparedness.

Just yesterday, the office led the second quarter National Simulated Earthquake Drill at City Hall, which included a demonstration of real-life rescue operations.

Comar expressed satisfaction over the growing participation and attentiveness of employees during the drills and encouraged more groups to coordinate with CCDRMO for future training programs. — /FPL (FREEMAN)