Tupas to strengthen disaster council

By Leny G. Gabo

In order to quickly respond to disasters and emergencies, Governor Niel D. Tupas Sr. is planning to strengthen the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC).

He said the PDCC and its working components should be developed and organized better.

He said that he intends to organize Army Reservists in key municipalities to quickly respond to emergency situations and provide relief assistance to those in distress.

"The province will conduct regular preparedness training so that rescue operations and disaster relief will be carried out like clockwork, with speed and efficiency as the primary considerations," Tupas said.

Meanwhile, in order to make provincial government employees more effective public servants, Tupas plans to develop year-round training programs.

In his State of the Province Address (SOPA), the governor mentioned that it is his plan to give more training for employees.

He stressed, "lazy and incompetent employees have no place in the provincial government."

In an interview, Tupas noted that his office received information that there are some employees that are seen in malls during working hours.

He said that he already instructed department heads to tightly watch their employees.