CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) -- The provincial government of Pampanga launched its first-ever National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) Festival to highlight preparedness and resilience from any hazard and calamity.
 
“This activity is done to promote public awareness on the different DRRM capabilities of the province which were developed through the years. With this [activity], we hope that our fellow Kapampangans become more aware of the comprehensive efforts of the province towards disaster resilience,” Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Head Angelina Blanco said. 
 
The event features static and dynamic display of the province’s preparedness and rescue capacity including rescue vehicles and equipment for collapsed structure search and rescue; high angle rescue; water search and rescue; and emergency medical service like the preparation of an emergency go-bag, cardiopulmonary resuscitation demonstration, and the use of automated external defibrillator.
 
It also features disaster-risk reduction and climate change adaptation exhibit including Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials, interactive lectures, photographs, and information boards of the different efforts of the province geared towards attaining disaster resilience.
 
For his part, Governor Dennis Pineda, who led the ribbon-cutting, stressed the importance of preparedness by encouraging local chief executives to complete their equipment from the municipal down to the barangay levels so they can readily respond to disasters.
 
“We are continuously coordinating with them. There is a need to conduct trainings especially at the barangay level and in schools to amplify first aid approach in preparation for the resumption of face-to-face classes,” he said. 
 
Meanwhile, Blanco assured that they do not stop conducting awareness activities to various sectoral groups to prevent loss of lives during calamities and disasters. 
 
“Our approach is multi-faceted. We have IEC materials; we have direct training for the public as well as for officials. At the same time, we provide the equipment for our responders,” she said. 
 
The exhibit runs from July 20 to 22, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM at SM City Pampanga Event Center. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)