MMDA opens 24-hour Crisis Monitoring and Management Center

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recently opened its 24-hour Crisis Monitoring and Management Center. President Rodrigo Durterte led its inauguration at the MMDA Metrobase in Makati City last April 4, 2017.

The new center will serve as the primary headquarters of both government and non-government organizations (NGO) during emergency and/or crisis situations in Metro Manila.

With the establishment of this Center, we are highlighting the need [for] the MMDA to be more responsive to the needs of our constituents in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces,” said President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to the President, circumstances may include but are not limited to petty vehicular accidents, massive floods, transport strikes, to devastating earthquakes.

President Duterte also said that the MMDA should initiate disaster preparedness programs in order to educate people, especially the youth. 

In this regard, the MMDA is reportedly planning to hold another Shake Drill in May or June. MMDA Chairman Tim Orbos told CNN Philippines that they are looking to simulate post-earthquake scenarios where hospitals and blood banks have to be ready. 

He also said that they would seek assistance from barangay officials for the upcoming shake drill. The reason for this is that barangay officials should be the first to attend to their local areas. 

In line with this, the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) came up with a contingency plan dubbed as Oplan Metro Yakal Plus. The objective of this contingency plan is to have an effective system of earthquake disaster preparedness, which guided the execution of the Metro Manila Shake Drill last July 30, 2015.

Under the Oplan Metro Yakal Plus, Metro Manila will be divided into 4 quadrants: North, East, South, and West.     

North: Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Juan, and Valenzuela

East: Marikina and Pasig

South: Las Pinas, Makati, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Pateros, and Taguig

West: Manila, Malabon, and Navotas

For each quadrant, there should be a commander and an emergency operations center to address casualties.