• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) will go on blue alert status from Dec. 22 until Jan. 2 in line with the Christmas and New Year holidays.
PDRRMO chief Irene Bel Ploteña said on Friday (Dec. 19) being on blue alert means their office will maintain skeletal forces that will monitor incidents throughout the holidays and who will respond if emergencies will arise.
Blue alert requires 50 percent attendance of personnel and involves emergency preparations, according to the incident management system.
Ploteña said all government hospitals and health facilities are on “Code White” alert to ensure their readiness to respond to any potential health emergency.
Based on the Department of Health color codes, Code White Alert refers to the readiness of hospitals, particularly general and orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, operating room nurses, ophthalmologists, and otorhinolaryngologists (eye, ear, nose, throat specialists) to respond to emergencies at any time.
Ploteña reminded the public not to drink alcohol while driving, and to make sure their vehicles are in good shape to avoid mass casualty incidents along the road.
Meanwhile, Malacañang issued a memorandum-circular suspending work in all government offices on Dec. 29 and Jan. 2 next year to allow government employees to fully celebrate the New Year’s Day festivities.
However, government agencies responsible for basic, vital, and health services as well as preparedness and response duties have been ordered to remain operational. | GB
