LAGAWE, IFUGAO- – Mayor Leslie Roy Nahayangan called out recently on his constituents in this capital town of Ifugao over the need to be aware of the government’s disaster preparedness program, warning that lack of awareness renders it meaningless and delays urgently needed services for the people.
Mayor Nahayangan did’nt have second thoughts when he decided to call on the people to prepare for disasters and calamities. He again saw an opportunity to do so at a meeting of the municipal disaster risk reduction management office (MDRRMC) at Riverview Hall in Kiangan.
He has reminded the MDRRMC personnel to prioritize the people’s needs at all times, reiterating that disaster preparedness is so essential.
“They’re our brothers and sisters and we’re here to take care of them,” he told the ZigZag Weekly. Nahayangan commended the men and women of the MDRRMC. He knew he has a competent team to handle the job at this vital office.
What makes them really a standout is the valuable contributions of Gemma Roldan who is widely lauded for her dedication to duty.
Saving lives is a long-term effort. Mayor Nahayangan is committed to help for the long haul.
Acting on this basis, Mrs. Roldan asserts, is essential in ensuring the success of MDRRMC.
There is a major role to raise awareness of the value of readiness.
That the future is for the people to shape is a matter of proper approaching the terms of relief funds for reconstruction and rehabilitation for projects before, during and after disasters. Just as important are quick response funds that will facilitate speedy recovery of ravaged communities affected by disasters, calamities and other complex emergencies.
A special trust fund for any MDRRMC promises a lot for this cause. It will; as there is a push for the purchase of warning and other emergency devices for the town. The push is indeed quite strong.
For sure, a master plan points a trajectory towards a desired goal. Lagawe (as well as the other Ifugao towns) need a framework where present-day needs are addressed swiftly through more prescriptive short-term planning which, in turn, is incorporated within a long-range plan that is adaptive.
As a disaster-prone country hit by an average of 20 typhoons a year, both the government and the public need not be reminded all over again that there is simply not enough time to prepare so folks should always be exactly for typhoons and other related disturbances.
In terms of helping those affected by these severe weather occurrences, affluent residents can help even in their own personal capacities.
Disasters certainly can be turned into an opportunity for better prevention in mind.
Saving others during a typhoon or earthquake is many times the most powerful step toward showing the spirit of true humanitarian trait towards the least and the suffering inhabitants in remote and underserved villages of Lagawe and elsewhere. **By Anthony A. Araos
