BATANGAS CITY – The provincial government here has forged a partnership with the religious and private sectors to ensure local government presence during calamities and emergency situations.
Batangas public information office chief Jenelyn A. Aguilera told the Philippine News Agency on Friday that Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas, along with representatives from the Catholic Church and a private business firm, First Gen Corporation (FGC), inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for “Project BASIC” (Batangueños’ Assistance and Social Involvement during Calamities) during a conference at the St. Mary Euphrasia Parish in Barangay Kumintang Ilaya on Sept. 25.
“Hangad ng Project BASIC na mabigyan ng pagsasanay ang mga church personnel, volunteers at mga pari sa mga wastong hakbang at pagtugon sa mga oras na may emergency at disaster (Project BASIC aims to provide skills training for Church personnel, volunteers and the clergy on the proper measures and response during times of emergency and disaster),” Aguilera said.
She said the agreement stemmed from the gathering of top local government officials with religious leaders and private business executives who expressed support to the provincial and local government units (LGUs) in the disaster risk reduction and response operations.
Signatories to the agreement are: Gov. Mandanas for Batangas province; Batangas City Councilor Armando Lazarte who represented Batangas City Mayor Beverly Rose Dimacuha; Batangas City Councilor Oliver Macatangay who represented Batangas 5th District Rep. Marvey Mariño; and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Batangas City acting Fire Marshall Insp. Eleine Evangelista, for the government.
From the religious sector are Archdiocese of Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera and Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Commission Director Rev. Father Jayson Siapco.
FGC President and Chief Operating Officer Francis Giles Puno represented the private sector.
“Naniniwala ang mga stakeholders ng proyekto sa kahalagahan ng kasanayan at kahandaan ng komunidad upang makakilos at makatugon ng tama kapag may sunog, bagyo at iba pang kalamidad (The project’s various stakeholders underscored the importance of capacity and skills building and preparedness of the community to act and respond properly in the event of a fire, typhoon and other calamities),” Aguilera said.
The LGU and sector representatives added that disaster risk reduction and management is essential in mitigating the negative impact of climate.
LGU representatives also pledged to be around and at the frontline before, during and in the aftermath of a disaster or calamity following President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s latest directive. (Saul Pa-a/PNA)
