LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Quezon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) will be training more “Building Emergency Evacuation Marshals” to highlight the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month this July.
PDRRMO officer-in-charge Melchor Avenilla Jr. on Wednesday said the provincial government targets to train Building Marshals in every provincial offices and departments in Quezon.
Avenillas said they would also conducting training seminars besides briefings and orientations for the roles and functions of each marshal who will oversee the implementation of the evacuation plan in the event of an emergency or disaster.
He said that the Provincial Capitol employees in each office will undertake the training as well as those tasked in the emergency operation centers.
This month’s theme on “Katatagan sa Kalamidad ay Makakamtan Kapag Sapat ang Kaalaman sa Kahandaan,” (Disaster Resilience through Adequate Knowledge and Awareness in Disaster Preparedness) will be demonstrated in the training seminars to broaden awareness of the communities.
According to Avenilla, the Building Emergency Evacuation Marshals who will undertake training on First Aid and Basic Life Support will serve as point persons or safety marshals in every office.
“Naniniwala ang ating ama ng lalawigan na kung ang lahat ng bayan sa lalawigan ng Quezon ay ating matuturuan ng tamang pamamaraan kung paano maging ligtas pag nagkaroon ng sakuna, muli nating matutupad ang zero casualty (Our Governor (David Suarez) believes that if we train the personnel in every town on the proper procedures and how to be safe when a disaster strikes, then we could achieve again zero casualty),” Avenilla said.
He said that the trained PDRRMO personnel would also extend their training services not only in Quezon province but also in the neighboring provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal.
The drills and simulation exercises as part of the recent 2nd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) held last month should be sustained because repetitive trainings and exercises could capacitate every employee and build consciousness in the public, he said.
Avenilla also said that they are extending the disaster preparedness and awareness campaign to reach out to every family in the community.
“Pinapatupad natin ang training on family preparedness. Naniniwala tayo na kung tutulungan natin simula sa mga pamilya, magiging ligtas ang lahat (We are implementing the training on family preparedness. We believe that if we start the training with the family, then everyone will be safe),” he said.
Provincial Board Member Jerry Talaga assured the support from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial legislative council) to sustain the programs on disaster preparedness.
Provincial Information Officer Ma. Janet Buelo said the provincial government’s intensified and comprehensive program on disaster preparedness has contributed a lot to accomplish the criteria on the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Seal of Good Local Governance received by the province last year.
“Hindi po madaling makuha ang Seal of Good Local Governance na parangal. Nakuha po ito ng lalawigan ng Quezon dahil sa galing at komprehensibong programa ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa paghahanda pagdating ng sakuna (It’s not easy to achieve the Seal of Good Local Governance award. (But) Quezon province bagged the award due to the efficient and comprehensive program on disaster preparedness),” Buelo said.
Meanwhile, Provincial Executive Assistant III Matt Erwin Florido reiterated Gov. Suarez’ call to constituents to achieve a disaster resilient province.
“Sama-sama tayo sa pagbuo ng isang lalawigang handa sa anumang klase ng disaster na maaring harapin. Hindi lamang po ito tungkulin ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at national government. Ang disaster preparedness ay usapin na dapat lahat ay nakikiisa (Let us work together towards achieving a province that is ready and prepared for any disaster that we may encounter. This is not only the responsibility of the provincial and national government. Disaster preparedness is a concern that all of us should get involved in),” Florido said.
He said the programs should be synchronized in terms of our preparedness in any eventuality.
The provincial officials also enjoined Quezonians to participate in the Rescue March towards Quezon Convention Center slated on July 12 spearheaded by the PDRRMC members and volunteers from various local and agencies as one of the highlights of month-long observance of National Disaster Resilience Month. (Gideon Belen/PNA)
