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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY In the wake of Typhoon Pedring, the LWUA Water Battalion does another disaster relief and rescue feat LWUA Water Battalion mounts rescue efforts in Calumpit
Officers and men (and women, at times) of LWUA's Armed Forces-affiliated 501st Water Battalion recently moved their Disaster Relief and Rescue Operations (DRRO) experience several notches higher by braving the rains and floods brought by Typhoon Pedring last September 27 in disaster-stricken areas in Calumpit, Bulacan. Acting on an urgent request from Calumpit Water District (CWD) General Manager Efren Z. Red, LWUA Acting Administrator Salvador C. Ner directed Major Edison A. Cuenca (Phil Army Res), Commanding Officer of the 501st (LWUA) Water Battalion and LWUA resident physician, to mobilize available manpower and equipment. Even on such a very short notice, the volunteers proceeded to rescue and provide relief services to the employees and families of the water district as well as other Calumpit residents trapped by heavy rains and floodwaters inside the CWD premises.
The 501st (LWUA) Water Battalion is composed of volunteer LWUA employees who hold reserve ranks in the Philippine Army. The affected employees, including residents of nearby areas, had earlier fled to the water district grounds to seek refuge. Continuous heavy rains, however, raised floodwaters to dangerous levels, threatening the people inside and prompting GM Red to seek immediate DRRO response from the LWUA Rescue Team. Aside from the Calumpit mission, the 501st--WBn's major DRRO accomplishment occurred during the record-hitting Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng two years ago, distributing relief goods to several affected residents all over Metro Manila and several towns of Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga and Pangasinan.
Major Cuenca said that from what the unit learned significantly from its "Ondoy Experience," LWUA purchased DRRO equipment composed of four (4) units of 8 to 12 person-capacity rubber boats, two (2) six-wheeler trucks, and one (1) ambulance. The various equipment were put to good use in the recent Calumpit task. "We don't wish to use these equipment frequently, but it is good that we have them," said Maj Cuenca immediately after the operation, while assessing the bruises and minor wounds suffered by members of the responding team. "Dahil masaya kaming tumutulong sa mga biktima ng baha, hindi ko naramdaman na puro sugat na pala ang mga paa ko," said Reynaldo Tuyac who was one of the boatmen of the team. Aside from Major Cuenca and RC Tuyac, the 501st WBn DRRO team included Maj Renato J Anyog (Team Leader), TSg Manuel M Centeno (Intel-Security Officer), SSg Voltaire E Manila (Ambulance Driver), SSg Vicente C Arjona (Boatman), RC Rene H Obra (Truck Driver/Boatman), and RC Ricardo P Catapia (Boatman). Acting LWUA Administrator Salvador C. Ner commended the team for its initiative and dedication, showcasing the spirit of public service. Meanwhile, state weather agency PAGASA said that recurring heavy rains will continue until the early part of 2012, giving the team more reason to remain prepared.
Other highlights of the Calumpit operation
11
October 2011
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