Philippines: La Union unveils provincial disaster risk reduction management plan
San Fernando City, La Union - The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council - La Union(PDCC-LU) chaired by Provincial Governor Manuel C. Ortega convened recently at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall, and discussed issues on the El Niño Phenomenon, Climate Change, and on Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan of 2010-2013.
El Niño Phenomenon: Overview, Impact and Risk Reduction Measure was presented by Engr. Ismael D. Gurtiza, Provincial Director, Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Mr. Edmundo M. Quinit, Regional Rice Coordinator, Dept. of Agriculture - Regional office 1 made his presentation on the Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, saying that actually "what we are experiencing right now is not yet an El Niño but still a normal dry season, the only thing is that the normal temperature has rose to at least 2 degrees centigrade", that's why it's hotter than the usual dry season being experience here in the country.
Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Mauro A. Libatique Jr., presented the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan (PDRRMP) for Calendar Year 2010-2013.
This is the PDCC's response to soften impact of future disasters to the people in the province of La Union as they have previously seen the devastation brought about by typhoons Cosme, Emong and Pepeng.
Retired Colonel Roberto C. Ortega Sr., the Consultant, Security and Intelligence Affairs presided over the meeting in behalf of Governor Ortega and Vice-Chair P/P/SuptNoli G. Taliño, PNP Provincial Director.
Ortega, in reaction to the discussions presented, said that all these measures and plans are all very nice, but these are all useless if not implemented well. "We have to encourage everyone to plant trees, flowering plants. We can best enjoin the younger generation, those from the Elementary levels on how to appreciate gardening so that they will understand the value of planting, also, this is for their own future and even the future generations to come".
In view of this, Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Eugene G. Cabrera commended the PDCC - LU for being the first to have their PDRRMP at the provincial level nationwide.
Cabrera even said that they are waiting for the release of a funding assistance amounting to P210 M which is soon to be approved under the Special National Reconstruction Commission. (PIA RO/LU)