Philippines: Prov'l disaster unit orients barangays on risk reduction and management
City of San Fernando, Pampanga - The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit (PDRRMU) here has lined-up a series of orientations among barangay officials throughout Pampanga as part of its priority thrust to further strengthen the disaster preparedness of frontline workers.
PDRRMU Acting Head Engr. Lulu Alingcastre said that orientations on the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10121 on the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System will be conducted among barangay officials in various municipalities of the province.
Alingcastre said that 106 barangay captains of Lubao, Porac and Floridablanca are set to attend the one-day orientation tomorrow (March 29) at the Katimawan Hall of the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters at the Capitol compound in the City of San Fernando.
She said that prior to this activity, municipal officials tasked to reduce and manage disaster risks underwent a similar orientation sponsored by the provincial government last February.
“Governor Lilia G. Pineda puts primary importance on adequately preparing frontline workers on disaster risk reduction and management especially in the wake of recent calamities in New Zealand and Japan ,” Alingcastre said.
She said that Regional Director Neri Amparo of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) will discuss the system on disaster management including the proper utilization of disaster funds during the orientation of barangay officials.
On March 31, the barangay officials of Mabalacat, Magalang, Sta.Rita, Arayat and Sasmuan are scheduled to attend the second batch of orientation.
During the said activities, the manpower, equipment and other resources available in each barangay will also be identified to determine the areas’ strengths and capabilities, including the list of needed equipment and resources to further upgrade their readiness.
“Being prepared for any calamity is of utmost importance to effectively and efficiently manage disasters and reduce casualties and damages to both lives and properties,” Alingcastre said.
She added that preparedness activities such as earthquake and fire drills and basic first aid know-how are continuously being conducted by the PDRRMU in schools, barangays, offices and commercial establishments in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other concerned agencies in the province
More so, water, search and rescue teams of different municipalities regularly undergo seminars and practicum including refresher courses to enhance their knowledge and skills.
The PDRRMU is also scheduled to hold two batches of fire prevention awareness seminars for employees of the various departments of the provincial capitol, tomorrow (March 29) in line with the on-going observance of fire prevention month, Alingcastre ended. (Pampanga PIO/wlb-PIA3)