LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III bared Pangasinan’s active disaster response capability before army reservists and barangay patrol action teams (BPATs) and village leaders who attended the Understanding Disaster Management and Climate Change Seminar in Alaminos City recently.
“We assure you that the provincial government, along with line agencies of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRMC) has further strengthened its disaster response capability to ensure the safety of Pangasinenses during calamities,” said Governor Espino during the seminar held recently at the Provincial Agriculturist field office in Alaminos City.
Governor Espino, who recognized the vital contributions of army reservists, BPATs and village leaders in disaster prevention and disaster response, said that the disaster management and climate change seminar purposive and very timely for the province.
Citing provincial government’s support to barangays and commitment to level disaster awareness and prevention and disaster response for Pangasinenses, the provincial chief executive also recalled the distribution of multi-purpose vehicles to all town and city LB federation to aid them on their official affairs which he led during his stint as former Board Member and Liga Ng Mga Barangay provincial president.
The L300 vans now have been utilized for various community gatherings and activities of the LB and for disaster response.
The said seminar organized by the JICA Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP) of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was also attended by Iloilo Vice Governor Christine Garin, Roxas City Councilor Powell del Rosario, project chairman Earl James Aquino, former Alaminos City Councilor and JAAP National Auditor and City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Miguel Perez.
Discussions during the seminar centered on the following topics: overview of disaster and climate change adaptation, unearthing earthquake, incident command system and role of BPAT in disaster management.
By Dexter A. See
