LUBAO, Pampanga – For quick response in times of disaster, some 5,656 Nanay Community Workers (NCWs) were given orientation and technical know-how on their roles in the province-wide flag-based early warning system, held yesterday in two separate venues here and in the City of San Fernando.
Governor Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda said the NCWs have a very important role in their respective communities in the speedy implementation of disaster, health response of the provincial government at the grassroots level.
“You’ve fulfilled a huge part in extending your roles at home and at the barangay. You have been my partners in bringing the Capitol closer to the people during my term. You made it easier for me to provide the services the people need in times of disaster,” Gov Nanay said in vernacular.
Angelina Blanco, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said the objective of the activity is to keep the province safe, ready, and informed from all impending typhoons and other natural calamities through the effective participation of the NCWs.
“In times of calamity, we have to speed up coordination and increase resiliency between Local Government Units (LGUs) that is why we established the roles of NCWs in the province flag-based early warning system,” Blanco said.
Blanco added that the NCWs are provincial government’s extension to the people in the barangays.
“NCW serves as the Governor Office’s arm for quick dissemination and response regarding issues concerning health, peace, and order, and most especially natural disaster and calamities,” Blanco stressed.
She said in the Flag Warning System, barangay officials and NCWs would be responsible for the management of flag warnings in the different barangays to help speed up communication and coordination of information about impending calamities and natural disaster among communities.
These flags were categorized into five colors. Each color represents rainfall alerts and tropical cyclone warnings from PAGASA which can help people better understand the protocols set by NDRMMC in times of disaster and calamity.
The implication of each flag are as follows: White and Yellow flags for impending typhoon warning; Yellow flag for signal no. 1 rainfall alert; Orange flag for signal no. 2 rainfall alert; Red flag for signal no. 3 rainfall alert; and blue flag for impending tsunami, storm surge alert in the coastal areas.
In the same event, Governor Pineda also thanked them for their contributions and active participation to the government’s program, services, and campaigns.
Also present in the separate events were Vice- Governor Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda, 2nd District Representative Juan Miguel ‘Mikey’ Arroyo, 4th District Representative Juan Pablo ‘Rimpy’ Bondoc, 4thDistrict Board Members Pol Balingit and Nelson Calara, 2ndDistrict Board Members Anthony Joseph Torres and Dimson Salalila, Lubao Mayor Mylyn Cayabyab- Pineda, and Vice- Mayor Robertito Diaz and 1st District Board Members Benny Jocson and Cherry Manalo. — LUISSE GABRIELLE RUTAO