By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
In the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), an Iloilo City council member raised concerns about the city’s lack of focus on disaster preparedness and mitigation as the climate crisis intensifies.
Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna delivered an unscheduled privilege speech during the Sangguniang Panglungsod’s regular session on Wednesday, October 30, addressing the city’s approach to future calamities.
Cabaluna referenced his visits to various evacuation sites on October 24, 25, and 26, at the height of the storm, as the foundation for his appeal.
He observed that, while Iloilo City was not among the hardest-hit areas, the storm still had significant effects on infrastructure and residents.
“There must be the same level of energy between disaster response and rescue and risk avoidance mitigation plans,” Cabaluna stated.
He emphasized the importance of bolstering mitigation and prevention, particularly in high-risk areas such as coastal and flood-prone zones where hazards can escalate quickly.
“If we don’t change our strategies, this will keep repeating—storms, rescue, relief operations, assistance, sending people home, recovery, rebuilding houses, and then we wait again for the next storm to come,” he added.
Cabaluna proposed implementing measures outlined in Ordinance No. 2021-322 on rainwater harvesting. This ordinance requires subdivision developers, business establishments, and smaller government infrastructure projects, such as gyms and courts, to maintain water impounding facilities, like those at La Paz Plaza.
He also called on the Department of Public Works and Highways to review their road projects to increase road heights and widen drainage pipes to better manage floodwaters.
Cabaluna noted that floodwaters often carry bacteria and viruses, contributing to public health risks such as cholera, acute gastroenteritis, and dengue.
He also praised the “stories of triumph and heroism,” commending personnel from barangay, city, and national agencies, along with private utility entities, civil society organizations, and other groups for their assistance.
“The early and well-organized preemptive evacuation and rapid response helped minimize the number of affected residents, which is why there were no recorded deaths from Typhoon Kristine,” he stated.
Councilor Ely Estante suggested the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) include affected animals in their disaster logs, acknowledging instances where pet owners searched for their animals during and after the storm.
The council also passed a resolution requesting that the Iloilo City DRRM Council, through the CDRRMO, provide updates on the city’s prevention and mitigation strategies.
Cabaluna explained that while DRRM Committee Chairperson Councilor Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon is part of the ICRRMC, the resolution would invite the CDRRMO to present comprehensive information to the council.
As of October 28, 2024, CDRRMO data showed that Kristine temporarily displaced 3,014 families, totaling 13,622 individuals from 119 barangays, or 66.11 percent of the city’s 180 barangays, who sought refuge in evacuation centers.
The storm also damaged 1,323 houses, including 108 that were totally destroyed, and downed 65 trees.
