LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on October 30 engaged hundreds of Indigenous Peoples (IP) from various towns in Pangasinan to its ‘Aktibo at Ligtas na Pamayanan’ project.
The advocacy campaign of the provincial government on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) was introduced to the natives via the DRRM Summit held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center gymnasium, which served as prelude to the provincial gathering of IPs.
Addressing the participants on behalf of Governor Amado I. Espino, III, Provincial Planning and Development Office coordinator Benita Pizarro said that the provincial administration sustains its efforts on strengthening further the province’s DRRM.
“In line with the vision for Pangasinan, The best place to invest, work, live and raise a family, the provincial government endeavours to make the province ‘safe’, and proactive to natural disasters,” Pizarro said.
An information and education campaign, the seminar provided IPs information on DRRM and knowledge on life-saving techniques, geared at helping them become a disaster-ready and disaster-resilient community.
DRRM orientation included lectures on Pangasinan Risk Assessment and lecture-simulation on Survival Tips and Basic Life Support.
Meanwhile, Inocencio Carganilla, Provincial Federation Tribal Chieftain, expressed gratitude to the provincial government for engaging IPs to the development thrust on DRRM and climate adaptation.
“Nagasat tayo ta addadtoy tayo ittata nga aldaw para iti daytoy nga gundayaw (We are blessed that we are gathered here today for this opportunity),” Carganilla said.
The DRRM Summit formed part of the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Festival in Pangasinan which commemorated the 20th year of the IP Republic Act.
Present during the event was PDRRMO Spokesperson Avenix Arenas, National IP Commission – Pangasinan Chief Enrique delos Santos along with tribal leaders from various IP communities in districts one, two, five and six of the province.
By Dexter A. See
