LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Gov. Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III led the kick off ceremony and blessing of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and management Office (PDRRMO) barracks and sets of rescue equipment composed of trucks, boats, bikes and motorcycles on July 10 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) compound.
The activity is one of the highlights of the province’s celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month which is held every month of July.
The event was highlighted by the blessing some newly-acquired equipment to include one Falcon 650 boat, two aluminum boats DT30, two aluminum boats 25HP, and two 6X6 rescue trucks, two motorcycle units and 10 mountain bikes. Two more rescue trucks are set to arrive soon.
Aside from the blessing of search and rescue (SAR) barracks which is located at the back of the southwing of the NRSCC grandstand, WASAR uniforms were also distributed as well as 18 units of WASAR kit which contains: leatherized rescue gloves, cap, lousy caps, water sandals, aluminum mess kit, comando scuba shorts, reflectorized raincoat, reflectorized vest, military style rain poncho, SAR pack bag, mat canvass, tactical pants and rubberized jumpsuit.
With a theme: “4Ks: Kamalayan sa Kahandaan, Katumbas ay Kaligtasan,” Gov. Espino said that since Pangasinan is a huge province the provincial government needs more safety and rescue equipment to save more lives in times of disaster.
As such, the provincial chief executive disclosed that it is the goal of his administration to continue what was started by his father, former governor and now 5th district representative Amado T. Espino, Jr. in terms of disaster and risk reduction programs and projects even as he added that more activities will be undertaken to ensure public safety during onset of calamities.
He likewise noted that capability enhancement is among the priority projects on deck on top of the procurement of more equipment.
On the other hand, PDRRMO Chief Luchinvar “Popoy” Oro re-echoed the previous words of the Governor which states: “there is always safety in unity.”
In stating this, Oro thanked all council members and line agencies for working hand-in-hand with the provincial government as he likened the fact of managing a disaster to that of managing an orchestra where each member has specific function to do.
Series of activates are also lined up during the resilience month, as follows: conduct of the 7th Ligtas at Aktibong Pamayanan in Mabini town (a counterpart of Kalusugan Caravan); MOA signing with JICA steering committee; start weekly tree planting; exhibit on earthquake effects to be conducted in various schools; DRRM training for media practitioners; indigenous early warning system dissemination; MOA signing with some private organizations , among others.
In addition, third quarter simultaneous earthquake drills will also be conducted by the PDRRMO.
Creation of satellite offices or multi-purpose evacuation center patterned after Japan is likewise being considered by the Pangasinan provincial government.
Present during the kick-off ceremony are some members of the board, department heads headed by Provincial Administrator Nimrod Camba, various members of the council and other invited guests.
By Dexter A. See
