MMDA to boost preparations for ‘The Big One’ with new training center

SINCE there is still the threat of “The Big One,” a catastrophic earthquake that could hit the National Capital Region, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will step up preparations for this by opening a disaster preparedness training center before the end of the year. 

The center, which will rise on the MMDA’s property in Cavite, will also be used to improve and institutionalize disaster response measures and to boost the skills of emergency and calamity responders. 

Disaster preparedness is especially on top of most people’s minds in the wake of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria and killed more than 40,000 people. 

MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes said the idea for the MMDA’s Disaster Preparedness Training Center came about even before the Turkey and Syria earthquake.

The concept was born in the wake of the earthquake that hit Abra in October last year, when rescuers from different areas were called to help. Artes said the MMDA saw the gaps in the capacity-building and training of rescuers.

“The agency saw the need to build a center that will focus on disaster response to empower rescuers and provide those affected by disasters with immediate assistance,” he said in a statement. 

How big is “The Big One?”

He also said the training center would help improve preparations for “The Big One,” which is a 7.2 earthquake that could hit Metro Manila, according to the 2004 Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

As per the study, this strong temblor could cause 35,000 deaths, 120,000 injuries, and economic losses worth P2.5 trillion. 

MMDA spokesperson Melissa Carunungan said that seminars and lectures on disaster preparedness are among the steps the agency is taking to prepare for this possible earthquake. 

The MMDA also agrees that the strict implementation of the National Building Code would be vital to preventing or lessening building collapse, said Carunungan. 

What are the features of the training center?

The proposed MMDA Disaster Preparedness Training Center will have four training facilities: the rappelling tower, a confined space structure, the wrecked building with rubble pile structure, and the pancake collapsed structure.

These are intended to hone the skills of rescuers who would respond to the many possible real-life rescue scenarios. 

The rappelling tower will teach trainees safe, effective, and reliable methods for rescuing trapped and injured persons from elevated structures or areas that are hard to access.

The confined space structure will provide training on searching for, stabilizing, and extricating victims trapped in structures using the safest and most appropriate procedures.

Photo courtesy: MMDA Facebook page

On the other hand, the wrecked buildings with structured rubble piles could train rescuers to find, extricate, and medically stabilize trapped victims. 

The pancake collapse structures will provide training for a scenario where the lower floors or foundation of a building triggers the vertical collapse of the top floors. 

Photo courtesy: MMDA Facebook page

When will the center open?

The MMDA said the center is expected to open before the end of the year. It will initially serve the 17 Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices.

It will then accommodate other government agencies, Barangay personnel, fire volunteer groups from Metro Manila, and rescuers from other provinces.

The MMDA said it would require medical clearances from rescuers who want to participate in the training to ensure that they would be fit enough for the activities. 

The MMDA would also buy additional modern rescue equipment and preposition these to the different areas of Metro Manila.