Pontevedra, Sibunag towns Best MDCCs in WV
The Municipal Disaster Coordinating Councils of Pontevedra, Negros Occidental and Sibunag, Guimaras were named as the Best Municipal Disaster Coordinating Councils in their respective categories in the region in this year's 'Gawad Kalasag' award.
This yearly award recognizes the initiative of individuals, non-government organizations and the private sector and government organizations in helping the government uplift the standard of disaster management in the country.
Also, this year, Bago City, Negros Occidental was declared as the Best City Disaster Coordinating Council in the component city category.
The Best Barangay Coordinating Council was won by Brgy. Pis-anan, Sibalom, Antique which was also the region's entry in the national search. Brgy. Pis-anan won the award in the rural category in the national level. Punong Brgy. Marlene Nacis of Brgy. Pis-anan and Sibalom Mayor Virginia Lotilla received the award from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during the awarding ceremonies held at Malacanang last August 1.
Partners in disaster management in the region were also given certificates of appreciation during the event. These are the communicator's group, search and rescue groups, reserve battalion, ROTC Units – Community Defense Center, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, non-government organizations and media.
This year's awarding ceremonies culminated the National Disaster Consciousness Month celebration in the region and coincides with the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council VI (RDCC VI) special meeting which was attended by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, OCD Deputy Administrator Dr. Anthony Golez, Task Force Bangon Panay Executive Director, Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Dr. Raul Banias and RDCC VI Chair PRO 6 Director Isagani Cuevas and Office of Civil Defense 6 Director Rosario Cabrera.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, OCD Deputy Administrator Dr. Anthony Golez, in his message, told awardees that their plaques serve as reminders "that you have to get out of your house and serve the communities more".
He also cited the importance of cooperation of every agencies, non-government organizations and local government units in successful rehabilitation efforts particularly in crafting a good rehabilitation plan relative to the damage caused by typhoon 'Frank'.
"Because of cooperation you get to streamline activities and projects and you get to put more money in areas where it is most needed," said Golez.
Before the awarding ceremonies, RDCC VI Chair PRO 6 Director Isagani Cuevas presented the workshop output of the RDCC on assessment and "Lessons Learned" on typhoon 'frank'. Frontline government agencies also gave update on their rehabilitation efforts as part of Task Force Bangon Panay rehabilitation plan. (PIA)