SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union –Rescue and disaster response vehicles paraded around the streets of this City and the Municipality of Bauang early today, July 03, 2017 to kick-off the observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) in Region 1. This year’s NDRM carries the theme “4Ks: Kamalayan sa Kahandaan, Katumbas ay Kaligtasan”.
Office of Civil Defense Region 1 (OCD R1) led the motorcade with more than 30 vehicles from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 1 (RDRRMC1), Provincial Government of La Union and City Government of San Fernando. Aside from the streamers of NDRM hanged in each vehicle, DRRM Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials were also disseminated to the public.
After the motorcade, the inauguration of the new location of OCD R1 and RDRRMC1 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was held at Ed Fabro Building, Barangay Pagdalagan, San Fernando City. Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James E Purisima, Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Administration of OCD was invited as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.
OCD R1 Director and Chairperson of RDRRMC1 Melchito M. Castro emphasized in his message the importance of unity and “bayanihan” from the various government agencies, private organizations and other stakeholders to attain a safer, more secured and disaster-resilient Region 1. He also encouraged other agencies and LGUs to continue prioritizing DRRM to better serve the people especially during times of disaster.
“Because disaster resilience is not just a single occasion to be celebrated every July; it is a culture we should create and practice in our everyday living”. Castro added.
Further, RDRRMC1 through OCD and Department of Education Region 1 relived the Operation Tulong Kapatid Programto help the affected communities due to the conflict happening in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur as part of the activities of the region for NDRM. (MIKE ALDRIN T. SABADO/Information Officer)
