OCD head congratulates, challenges new disaster council officers

PIA Press Release
2010/12/03

OCD head congratulates, challenges new disaster council officers

Iloilo City (3 December) -- Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Benito Ramos congratulated the new officers of the Western Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for having formally assumed their posts even as he challenged them regarding the responsibilities that accompany their positions.

In a message conveyed for him by OCD Assistant Executive Officer lawyer Priscilla Duque, Ramos told the new officers led by the council's chairperson, OCD Regional Director Rosario Cabrera, that their task is full of challenges in helping our countrymen particularly in disaster prone areas.

The approach in disaster management that covers preparation, response, rehabilitation and recovery is a year-round affair and will be done not only at the regional level but should go down to the family and community especially with the kinds of hazards that we are facing now.

Duque also administered the oath of office of the new officers who also included the vice chairpersons, namely DILG Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta dor Disaster Preparedness, DSWD Regional Director Minda Brigoli for Disaster Response, DOST Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga, and NEDA Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal. Bacal, however, was not able to attend the induction due to another commitment on her part.

Prior to the induction, the chairmanship of the council was turned over to Cabrera by Philippine National Police Regional Director PCSupt Cipriano Querol Jr.

It will be recalled that the PNP used to chair the RDRRMC, formerly known as the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council. However, with the passage of the law on the strengthening of the Philippine disaster risk reduction and management system or Republic Act No. 10121, the council is now known by its new name and its chairmanship passed on to the OCD from the PNP.

The induction of officers was held together with the first meeting of the regional council December 2 at Days Hotel here. The Western Visayas Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Manual was presented during the activity, together with the plans of clusters comprising the council. (PIA 6)