The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) honored the most disaster-resilient cities and municipalities in Pampanga during the 2024 Disaster Resilience and Enhanced Adaptation and Mitigation (DREAM) Assessment Awarding Ceremony held on Friday, December 6.
Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda lauded local government units (LGUs) for their dedication to disaster preparedness and response.
“You are critically important as the first line of defense. We rely on you, so it’s crucial to strengthen our LGUs. The provincial government is always here to support you,” Pineda said in his address.
The DREAM Assessment, initiated in 2023, aims to motivate LGUs to enhance their disaster management strategies by recognizing excellence and providing tangible incentives.
Magalang town was named the most disaster-resilient LGU in the municipal category, receiving a fire truck as its award. Mabalacat City topped the city category and was awarded a combi spreader-cutter with accessories and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Other winners in the city category included the City of San Fernando, which ranked second and received a vehicle stabilization set, and Angeles City, which placed third and was awarded two remote area lighting systems.
In the municipal category, Minalin secured second place, receiving a Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4. Floridablanca ranked third and was given a custom troop carrier-type vehicle, followed by Lubao in fourth place, which received a passenger-type vehicle. San Luis placed fifth, taking home a rubber boat with a fiberglass hull and Hypalon tube.
The top 10 municipalities also included Bacolor, San Simon, Masantol, Porac, and Mexico, each awarded certificates and ₱300,000 in cash incentives.
PDRRMO head Angelina Blanco congratulated the winners and encouraged all LGUs to elevate their disaster management programs.
“All the winners excel in their fields. According to our validators, the LGUs have strong initiatives. We hope they further improve in the next DREAM Assessment,” Blanco said.
Governor Pineda announced that the DREAM Assessment would take a break in 2025 and resume in 2026, allowing LGUs more time to enhance their disaster resilience initiatives.
The ceremony highlighted Pampanga’s commitment to disaster preparedness and the crucial role of LGUs in safeguarding communities from natural and man-made calamities.
Gov. Delta also announced that the DREAM Assessment will take a break next year and will resume in 2026 to allow other LGUs time to improve their disaster management initiatives.
