Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Metrobase, Makati City
April 4, 2017
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued particular directives to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) during the inauguration of its Metro Manila Crisis Monitoring and Management Center (MMCMMC).
“With the establishment of this center, we are highlighting the need of the MMDA to be more responsive to the needs of our constituents in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces. I therefore direct the MMDA to assume a lead role in government’s efforts to maintain peace and order in our communities, be vigilant not only in protecting our people from natural and manmade calamities, but also in our fight against illegal drugs, crime and corruption,” he said.
President Duterte added that the MMDA should initiate programs that will educate the people and the youth on the significance of disaster preparedness and the need to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Moreover, the MMDA must be involved in policy formation by coordinating with law enforcement agencies, barangays, and non-government organizations (NGOs).
“Let the center serve a concrete reminder to all of you that your primary concern must always be the safety, security, and the welfare of the people,” the President stated.
According to MMDA Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Chairman and General Manager Thomas Orbos, the MMCMMC, housed inside the MMDA Metrobase, integrates the functions and facilities of the MMDA Flood Control Information Center, the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) Operation Center, the Emergency Operation Center, and the Traffic Operation Center.
“The MMCMMC shall serve as the nerve center to our data collection and timely dissemination and utilization of information to support decisions and actions not only by MMDA, but also other responders in an emergency incident that can escalate into crisis level, to ensure the protection of the people, or at very least, to mitigate impact of such events,” MMDA OIC Orbos said.
He added that among the incidents to be given particular attention will be multiple vehicular accidents with casualties, industrial and chemical accidents, fire incidents and explosions, transport strikes, mass action of protest, high population density events such as huge concerts, gatherings or festivities, epidemic or suspected release of biological agents, events of chemical, biological, radiological nuclear nature, extreme weather events, and widespread floods.
The center will operate on a 24-hour basis and is manned by the deaf-mute employees who are tasked in controlling the ‘No Contact Apprehensions’ through LED television screens.
The Chief Executive unveiled its marker before inspecting the MMCMMC operations and the latest actions on the Metro Manila traffic flow.
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