November 7, 2013
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Balay Mindanaw Group has immediately activated today the contingency plan of its DREAM Program (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Resiliency building and Emergency Assistance Mission) as Supertyphoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), seen as dangerous and violent, is gaining strength as it gets nearer to the Philippine Area of Responsibility.As of the moment, storm signal warnings have already been raised in Visayas and Mindanao.
1. BALAY MINDANAW OPERATION CENTERS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
BalayMindanaw has turned on its Operation Center at the Peace Center in Bulua, headed by Bibing with the assistance of various committees: logistics and procurement (pinky/ii/popot), finance (amy/joy/ling), meetings (bau/sabcee/bing), information (belle/xx/kaloy), transportation (toni/myak), water supply (donna/bimbim), peace center and evac (sano/celoy), relief pack and distribution (sabcee/myak/katya).
Our Bohol team who is still doing actual disaster response (relief distribution and medical mission) in Antequera and Loon, is closely monitoring with the DRRMCs the situations in these municipalities. Headed by Lala with the assistance of Bernard, Regine, Lycel and Ani, the team is also accompanied by the Disaster Aid Response Team with Ed Cox and Chris Cassar. They continue to provide shelter kits in Loon from Disaster Aid International.
The command center in Gingoog has also been activated at the KalambuanCenter, with Che-che as the Command Officer (in coordination with Ayi in Cdo), supported by other staff who will be positioned in Gingoog: Communication/Coordination with CDRRMC-Gingoog (Luv), Evacuation (Daisy/Cris, JR, Rem), Finance (Danah), Logistics (Lisbeth/Jerome), Transpo/Truck-for rescue, if needed (Jerome).
Contact numbers of all members of BalayMindanaw Group and all forms of communication system will be maximized for effective/efficient information dissemination, regular monitoring and inventory of staff per NGO.Communication lines are open for updating and calls for possible meetings.
2. PREPOSITIONED RELIEF GOODS
As part of the preparation for emergency relief, BalayMindanaw is already organizing and getting ready for instant food packs and water to be distributed to 200 families.
For each family, BalayMindanaw is preparing 5 kilos of rice, 3 cans of corned beef, 3 cans of tuna, 2 canned goods from Del Monte Foundation (pine chunks and stykker juice) , 1pack of skyflakes (12 pcs) and 6 litersof TubigMindanaw (alkaline bottled water).
Already, we have provided food packs to 30 families in Sumilao, Bukidnon and 3 families in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.
3. PROACTIVE EVACUATION
BalayMindanaw has opened up its Peace Center as an evacuation center for the families and friends and even those from the neighbourhood who will seek safer refuge with the threat of the Typhoon. Rooms have been prepared since Wednesday for the evacuation of staff and members of their families.Power generator/emergency lights and first aid kits are likewise ready as well as stock of food and water are being prepared for the next three days.
Similarly, BalayMindanaw also opens its centers in Gingoog (KalambuanCenter), Aleosan (BalayAleosan Community Center), Bohol (Escobilla Compound) and in Lumbia (DREAM House) for those in need of safer shelter.
Within the day, there are 15 families already housed at the Peace Center in Cagayan de Oro, 73 families at the KalambuanCenter in Gingoog and 2 families in Lumbia.
4. SUPPORT TO DRRMCs
BalayMindanaw is actively supporting the operations of the DRRMCs in Cagayan de Oro City, Gingoog City, Aleosan in North Cotabato, Cagwait and Lianga in Surigao Sur, Brgy. Ban-ao in Baganga, Davao Oriental and Sta. Josefa in Agusan Sur through massive information dissemination and monitoring for safety precautions and disaster preparedness. With the aim for zero casualty and zero rescue,DRRMCs from the barangay to the provincial level are continuously monitoring the approach of the storm, assigned evacuation centers in each of the barangays and immensely notifying their constituents to get ready and evacuate now especially those residents who are in danger of floods, landslide and heavy rains.
BalayMindanaw is also distributing search and rescue equipments to its focus-barangays in Cagayan de Oro City (Iponan, Bonbon, Carmen, Macasandig and Lumbia) as part of its continuing DREAM program and support to these Sendong-affected barangays.These equipments include handheld radios, liferings, ropes, headlights, stretchers, wheel chairs and generator set.
5. Others
- Safe Keeping of important documents
- Cutting of tall trees or clearing of branches, if necessary