LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The provincial government of Pangasinan led by Governor Amado I. Espino, III kicks off the celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) on July 16 at the Capitol Plaza.
Underscoring the importance of ample knowledge and disaster preparedness, Governor Espino who also stands as the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRM) Chairman, urged fellow Pangasinenses to firm up the good practices of the province in disaster preparedness.
“Itong buwan na ito ay preparasyon sa mga posibleng sakuna,” Governor Espino said.
Governor Espino also noted that all interested individuals may undergo special trainings through the PDRRMO that will benefit not only themselves but also the whole province of Pangasinan during natural calamities and other disasters of nature.
PDRRM Officer Col. Rhodyn Luchinvar O. Oro, on the other hand, stated that the province of Pangasinan has reached its high point in disaster preparedness, unlike 28 years ago.
“Definitely, we are better equipped and trained now than 28 years ago,” Col. Oro said as he bared the development strategies in line with DRRM that are further enhanced and cultivated to achieve a resilient province of Pangasinan.
This is made possible, accordingly, through the institutionalization of Republic Act 10121 which strengthens disaster preparedness among national agencies and LGUs. The DRRM development initiatives are also aimed at increasing the competence of our responders and community participation for effectiveness in responding during both natural and manmade calamities
As such, flagship disaster programs such as Ligtas at Aktibong Pamayanan and Dunong Kaalaman at Kaligtasan Program of the provincial government are being undertaken to equip young and old alike Pangasineses in the first critical hours of disasters.
“As one of our simulation tools, we encourage all individuals, especially, the youth to participate in the simultaneous earthquake drill,” Col. Oro added.
Col. Oro also bared the influence of the Geographic Information System (GIS) which helps locate flashflood-prone barangays for faster response during emergencies.
It can be learned that the GIS was a pilot project in the province of Pangasinan of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to develop hazard mapping and risk assessment.
The NDRM celebration is centered on the theme: “Katatagan sa Kalamidad ay Makakamtan Kapag Sapat ang Kaalaman sa Kahandaan.”
The NDRM kick-off ceremony also highlighted during the 3rd Quarter PDRRM Council Meeting held at the Capitol Resort which was participated in by some line agencies including Pangasinan – Philippine National Police (PNP) led by OIC Provincial Director Wilson Joseph Lopez, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, Philippine Coastguard Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and other council members from the provincial government.
Topics discussed include: Mobilizing Geocloud through Geo-tagging and Disaster Online Monitoring System (DOMS) which both uphold the objectives of the council in disaster preparedness and advocate the vision: “Pangasinan – the best place to invest, work, live and raise a family.”
Press Release
