LINGAYEN – Stakeholders of disaster responders in all local government units (LGUs) vowed to work with stronger coordination in order to accelerate an effective and efficient disaster management plan in the province.
In a coordinating conference held recently, newly-installed Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Rhodyn Luchinvar O. Oro led the city/municipal DRRMOs in signifying their commitment.
Calling their group as Pangasinan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Federation (PDRRMF), Oro told the disaster managers the need to develop a synchronized mindset guided with “character and competency” to achieve the DRRM’s vision and mission.
“Our objective should be guided by principle of rules and conduct which includes non-discrimination, humanity, cooperation and participation, neutrality and esprit d’ corps or spirit of loyalty and belongingness,” he added.
“What makes a disaster risk reduction and management officer effective and efficient is well-prepared, highly responsive and best-equipped,” the retired colonel said as he emphasized the “need to act one with one voice.”
“Tayong nasa disaster team ay dapat may puso sa ating tungkulin na kung tawagin ay buwis-buhay dahil kung wala tayo nito hindi tayo nababagay sa ganitong trabaho,” he added.
In response, LGU disaster managers expressed their commitment to their functions, as they, however, voiced out, “Sana ay makagawa tayo ng paraan na maging regular position ang city/municipal DRRMO para may continuity ang trabaho,” the designated DRRM officers were one in saying during the open forum.
It can be recalled that establishment of local DRRMOs is now mandated following the RA10121 known as Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act which seeks to institutionalize disaster management to mitigate the impact of emergency occurrences brought about by climate change.
Aware of their plights, PDRRMO Oro encouraged the disaster officers to still “work with passion.” “Kahit designated lang kayo, malaking bagay iyong trust and confidence na ibinigay sa inyo so you have to accomplish your mission,” he added.
In line with this, the PDRRMO asked the disaster managers to submit the list of equipment, number of personnel and manpower, list of evacuation centers including the disaster mitigation plan of their respective city or municipality.
With the organization of PDRRMF, Oro expressed optimism that “it will enhance our commitment through joint responsibility and joint accountability anchored on brotherhood relationship wherein we could tap on each other’s back during disaster.”
The PDRRMF officers are PDRRMO Oro, president; Mylene O. Manalastas, executive vice president; vice presidents: Joy P. Fernandez (1st district); Amado John Jefferson O. Espino (2nd district); and Freddie D. Villacorta (3rd district); Ronaldo R. de Guzman (4th district); Aries B. Aquino, (5th district) and Retired Maj. Juanito L. dela Cruz, (6th district)
Other officers include Josephine U. Desierto, secretary; Jean B. Repato, treasurer; Raymundo T. Santos, auditor; Dian Lovemore B. Caranza and Ramon C. Caldez, press relation officers.
The conference was attended by 44 designated DRRMOs including those from the cities. By Merly Ramos
