As part of the Operation LISTO Program of the Local Government Academy, the Province of Pampanga, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO), conducted a two-day youth camp on disaster preparedness and response at the PEO Compound, Sindalan here on December 5-6.
Bearing the theme WEmboree: Changing Mindset from Me to We, the youth camp aims to empower the youth in terms of DRR-Climate Change Adaptation awareness.
“This youth camp is dedicated to providing youth leaders with DRRM awareness and information. We, in the PDRRMO, would be very eager to train youth volunteers on disaster response to equip them with knowledge and skills that they can use to help in their respective barangays,” said Angelina Blanco, PDRRMO chief.
Around twenty-two (22) individuals from the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation and youth organizations from the cities and municipalities of the province convened to participate in the said activity.
During the youth camp, the participants were grouped into Red Adya Team and Blue Alert Team, and went through various disaster-related challenges and exercises that are aimed at intensifying their involvement in DRRM.
“Itong WEmboree ay para sa kabataan, for their involvemnet sa DRRM. Napakaimportante nito, dahil kahit gasgas na gasgas na, naniniwala pa rin tayo na ang kabataan ay ang pag-asa ng bayan. Importante ang kanilang participation sa lahat ng bagay, specifically sa disaster,” said Mark Kevin Salonga, DILG Pampanga officer-in-charge program manager.
The Best Yell, Best in Drills and Relays, and Most Resilient Team Awards were given to Red Adya Team, while Blue Alert Team received the Best Banner and Best Group Presentation Awards.
Rafael Miguel, SK chairperson in Brgy. Calangain, Lubao, was hailed as the Most Valuable Team Player, and Romel Gulapa received the Youth Leadership Award.
The participants also built a bonfire, wherein they pledged to support the national government and collaborate with local government units in the planning and implementation of DRR initiatives, as well as to actively engage and inspire others to promote youth patriotism, nationalism, and involvement in public and civic affairs.