The local government partnered with various stakeholders from different sectors to enhance disaster preparedness in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the city government and its different partners, collaborative strategies for enhancing disaster risk reduction and management at the community level were outlined.
These include joint capacity-building programs, coordinated emergency response efforts, and improved communication channels between partners.
San Fernando City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Head Raymond del Rosario welcomed the partnership, citing the importance of establishing network linkages across stakeholders to minimize vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience against natural and man-made hazards.
“We are more than happy because the government alone can only do so much, so we need the cooperation of all stakeholders for a more effective response,” he said.
For her part, Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Philippines Executive Director Althea Penaloza said this partnership is a manifestation of the stakeholders’ shared commitment to foster a unified response to strengthen disaster resilience in the city and beyond.
“It’s high time to formalize our partnership as we have been working together since February and during the process, we were able to understand the gaps and the needs of our community and what our organization can contribute to disaster management,” she said.
Meanwhile, University of the Assumption President Rev. Fr. Oliver Yalung reaffirmed the university’s commitment to support disaster risk reduction and management initiatives.
“As an educational institution, we recognize the importance of disaster preparedness, and we are proud to contribute to the collective effort in building a safer, more resilient community. We do our share especially in the educational formation of our students. This event brings good news and hope for us,” he said.
The partnership is expected to serve as a model for disaster risk reduction and management across other regions in the Philippines.
Other partners include the Kilusang Lima Para sa Lahat Multipurpose Cooperative (K5 MPC), Coalition of Guardians Communicators (GuardCom), DX3 Cabalen Radio Assistance Group, Inc., Emancipation of Guardians Progress International, Inc., Pampanga Delta Echelon Eagles Club, and Pampanga Medical Society. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)