DAVAO CITY (September 5) —President Rodrigo wants to improve on the disaster response in the country.
This, after he was invited at Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) for disaster response and rehabilitation presentation, where he witnessed a demonstration and viewed the equipment on Tuesday, September 4.
Duter was inspired by the presentation at the MDA’s complex, he wanted to have the same disaster response system in the country.
The Magen David Adom is the State of Israel’s national organization responsible for the emergency, disaster response, pre-hospital care, and blood services, an equivalent of a National Red Cross Organization.
Duterte was amazed with the demonstration as it showed a remarkable effectiveness of the team.
“You got it right. The rescue was punctual and I would say that — and precise, the way you handled it. Of course, it could have been a product of several practices, but it shows that you are very efficient,” he said.
He said having advanced technological devices for disaster response and rehabilitation like the MDA’s would be beneficial for the Philippines, especially in times of disaster like terrorist attacks.
“There’s a lot of terror attacks going on, not only here but all over the world and my country is no exception. We just had about two explosions in one of the provinces in Mindanao. And we expect more. And I’m sure that your government… Israel government would only be willing to help us,” he said after the simulation of MDA’s response system.
In times of disaster and calamities, Duterte stressed, emergency response is very essential, though he said the country has improved on it but till it needs to be enhanced.
He cited Davao City’s 911 emergency center, “We have a similar thing like that in my city, but it needs a lot of improvement. Of course, the way you handled the response was very important. And I think that we have to improve on that, “ he explained.
“We have the electronics, it was done by an American company. It’s good but I said we need more transportation and we need more men with experience to respond the way that I’ve seen here,” the Chief Executive said after inspecting the equipment and vehicles of MDA.-Editha Z. Caduaya/NewsLine.ph
