The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council cited outstanding cities and municipalities in Pampanga through the 2024 Disaster Resilience and Enhanced Adaptation and Mitigation (DREAM) Assessment awarding ceremony.
Launched last year, the DREAM Assessment aims to encourage local government units (LGUs) to strengthen their disaster management efforts by recognizing outstanding performance and providing incentives.
In his message, Governor Dennis Pineda lauded all LGUs for their efforts in continuously enhancing their disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
“You are very important. Actually, you are our first line of defense. We rely on you first, so we must really strengthen our LGUs. If there is anything the provincial government can do to help, we are always here to support you,” he pressed.
Mabalacat ranked first in the city category and received a combi spreader-cutter with accessories and personal protective equipment from the provincial government.
San Fernando placed second while Angeles ended third. They were given a vehicle stabilization set and two remote area lighting systems, respectively as prizes.
Meanwhile, Magalang topped the municipal category and took home a fire truck.
Minalin landed second and got a Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4, Floridablanca settled for third and was given a custom troop carrier-type vehicle, Lubao finished fourth and was rewarded a passenger-type vehicle, and San Luis placed fifth and was awarded a rubber boat with a fiberglass hull and Hypalon tube.
Also included in the top 10 towns were Bacolor, San Simon, Masantol, Porac, and Mexico. These LGUs each received certificates and P300,000 from the provincial government.
The DREAM Assessment will resume in 2026 to give other LGUs ample time to improve their disaster management initiatives. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA Region 3, Pampanga)