N. Marianas taps Pinoy groups for emergency preparedness

SUSUPE, Saipan – The government of the US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is urging Filipino groups to help spread the importance of emergency preparedness – whether in times of typhoons, earthquakes, pandemic flu or terrorist attacks. Filipinos, according to CNMI Emergency Management Officials (EMO) officials, comprise a big part of the CNMI population. “Saipan’s population is mostly that of Filipinos. Every disaster affects Filipinos … And we need your help in preparing for disasters. Me and my team now want to get everyone involved, not only government agencies," EMO chief planner Ted Untalan told some 30 leaders of Filipino groups and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in the CNMI at a presentation on Wednesday night. The CNMI is home to about 10,000 Filipinos and Filipino-Americans. Its capital island of Saipan is only about three hours away by plane from Manila. Just like the Philippines, the CNMI is vulnerable to typhoons, along with earthquakes and tsunamis. If flu pandemic hits Saipan, for example, it will take at least three days before the island can get help because of its isolation. “We want to encourage you to understand the importance of being prepared… If a disaster happens here, we may not be able to get help for at least three days…So we want everyone to take action. Emergency preparedness is for everyone who lives and works on this island, not only for US citizens," said Dr. Ken Shankweiler, advisor for EMO. The campaign aims to support the US Department of Homeland Security’s goal of getting Americans and other nationals involved and ultimately increase their level of emergency preparedness. Emergency preparedness awareness activities are geared towards the business community, multi-ethnic groups, schools and families and homes in the CNMI. The CNMI observes the fifth year of the National Preparedness Month in September. For private businesses, a review of emergency plans with their employees or offering free CPR or first aid classes will go a long way in saving lives and properties when disaster strikes. Filipino leaders were also urged to take part in planning emergency preparedness activities. Veminda Castro, president of the Marianas Filipino Women’s Association or Mafilwa, told GMANews.TV that the greater the emergency preparedness awareness among Filipino groups, the better. Castro, from Makati City, said she’s willing to volunteer her time to help disseminate relevant emergency preparedness plans. Besides Mafilwa, the other Filipino groups that were present during the EMO presentation on emergency preparedness were: MDX Amateur Radio Club, Bayani Association, Coalition of United Workers, Boholanos Association, United Filipino Organization, and the Visayas-Mindanao Association or VisMinda. Philippine Consul General to the CNMI Wilfredo DL. Maximo and Labor Attaché Joann Lourdes Lavilla, along with their staff, attended the emergency preparedness presentation. - GMANews.TV