The municipality of Lubao has earned the title of the “Most Disaster-Resilient Municipality in the Province of Pampanga.” This recognition is a direct result of the exceptional performance demonstrated by the local government unit of Lubao during the Disaster Resilience and Enhanced Adaptation and Mitigation (DREAM) Markers Assessment conducted by the Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDDRMC).
Lubao Mayor Esmeralda Pineda and Vice Mayor Jay Montemayor accepted the award on behalf of the municipality. The award was presented by PDRRMC Chairman, Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, and PDRRM Chief, Angelina Blanco, during an awarding ceremony held at the Kingsborough International Convention Center on Monday, December 18, 2023.
Lubao’s receipt of the DREAM award is attributed to its innovative, science-based approach in developing a local climate change mitigation initiative, prominently showcased by the LGU’s Bamboo Park. This eco-friendly haven comprises 3,835 diverse bamboo species, contributing to a remarkable 35% increase in the town’s oxygen level and an annual carbon sequestration of 92,600 pounds per hectare.
“Kasing tibay ng kawayan ang Lubao. Eto tayo nakaranas ng iba’t-ibang baha, bagyo, but still nandito tayo. Tuloy-tuloy po tayong magtutulungan para sa ikakaunlad ng ating bayan,” expressed Mayor Pineda.
Governor Delta emphasized the transformative power of the DREAM Assessment, affirming its role in translating disaster plans into tangible solutions that safeguard the well-being of Kapampangans during crises. He urged all municipalities to participate, striving for continuous improvement in disaster preparedness.
Blanco emphasized the timeliness of the assessment, considering the province’s susceptibility to various disasters such as typhoons, storm surges, flooding, and earthquakes due to its location near the Pacific Ring of Fire.
“Holistic dapat yung approach sa pag-address natin sa mga problema sa disaster. We are doing this DREAM assessment so that lahat ng LGUs natin ay maging prepared in times of disaster. Gusto ni Gov lahat ng LGUs sabay-sabay aangat ang level of resiliency,” Blanco explained.
In addition to the accolade, Lubao received a coveted Ford Ranger Raptor. Other municipalities in the top 5 finalists, including San Luis (2nd), Bacolor (3rd), Minalin (4th), and Masantol (5th), were also honored with trophies and valuable resources such as service vehicles, ambulances, and disaster response equipment. The towns ranking 6th to 10th were granted a financial reward worth P400,000.
The DREAM Assessment, formalized by virtue of PDRRMC Resolution No. 1 S2023 and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 7975, serves as a commendable initiative that recognizes municipalities for their proactive efforts in disaster resilience within their respective localities. Entries were meticulously evaluated based on the institutionalization of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management framework, encompassing the four thematic areas of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Response, and Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery.
