By Froilan Magtoto/Philippine News Agency
PORAC, Pampanga — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has cited the invaluable efforts of the disaster response groups and individuals in the search, rescue, and retrieval operations conducted in this province following the impact of the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that jolted some parts of Luzon last April 22.
National Defense Secretary and NDRRMC chairperson Delfin Lorenzana, in his speech Tuesday during the joint NDRRMC and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)-Region 3 (Central Luzon) meeting held at the Jose Songco Lapid Sports and Civic Center Gymnasium here, said the actions and measures undertaken by the responders, particularly in the collapsed Chuzon Supermarket, minimized the effect of the powerful tremor on the lives and properties of the residents.
Lorenzana said the support and cooperation of the various government agencies, local government units as well as volunteers made the response efforts more effective and well-coordinated.
“In the face of adversity, our responders demonstrated their capacity in search, rescue, and retrieval, placing their lives on the line. Let these experiences serve as our catalyst to become champions of disaster preparedness and resilience,” he said.
Likewise, Lorenzana underscored the immeasurable support of the volunteers and donors.
For his part, Marlou Salazar, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-3, said preparedness is the key to any disasters.
“Preparing for any disasters is really very important. We would like to thank all of you. To those who helped in our response efforts, thank you very much,” Salazar said.
The government agencies that were given recognition include the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, and various provincial and municipal disaster risk reduction and management councils in the region.
Meanwhile, Lorenzana extended his deep condolences to the families of the earthquake victims.
The total earthquake death toll in Pampanga is 15 — 12 in Porac, two from Lubao town and one from Angeles City.
Out of the total figure, five casualties were retrieved from the collapsed four-story building which houses Chuzon Supermarket here.
Five persons were also rescued by responders from the collapsed structure.
Lorenzana, together with OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad and other officials, also visited the collapsed building site.
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