The Provincial Government of Pampanga, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), recognized the youth sector’s important role in disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures in the province on December 13 at the Bren Z Guiao Convention Center.
Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda personally reached out to the SK officials and sought their cooperation to influence fellow youth to get involved in various community projects.
Geared towards preparing the community on health, disaster preparedness, peace and order, PDRRM Chief Angelina Blanco spearheaded the program for youth leaders.
“I was once a youth leader myself, and I could empathize with your sentiments in terms of public service. Hats off to our SK officials for stepping up at an early age with the vocation to serve and value the welfare of our community and safety,” said Blanco.
A total of 4,823 SK officials attended the safety briefing and updating on the “Disaster Risk Information and Community Disaster Preparedness Measures.”
Despite having contingency plans for various disasters, Blanco furthered that the most significant recurring problem experienced by Kapampangans today is the effects and catastrophic results of climate change.
She encouraged the youth to help mitigate the effects of climate change like practicing the proper segregation of waste, planting trees and mangroves in coastal areas, and in worse cases, adapting to the inevitable situations brought about by natural phenomena.
During the activity, SK Federation President Moshe Lacson convened with the youth leaders to emphasize the role of the younger generation in capacity and community building.
He expressed his gratitude to the Governor and Vice Governor for their unwavering support of the Kapampangan youth and continuing impact projects and programs that contribute to their development.
In terms of health awareness, Dr. Sherwin Sarmiento, Internal Medicine Consultant for the Alagang Nanay Preventive Health Care program, educated the group on the risk factors and common diseases among the youth, assuring them thorough treatment and primary health care services from the provincial government.
For the peace and order situation, PLTCOL Michael John Riego, Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPO) Operations Chief, stressed the need for cooperation and crime awareness to maintain public safety in the province.
Glenn Guillermo of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) R-III Information Officer also reiterated their campaign against illegal drugs, safeguarding the youth from involvement in various drug-related activities.
The series of community briefings were organized by the PDRRMO together with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), General Services Office (GSO), and Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO).
