Vigan Observes 2012 Disaster Preparedness Month
Riding on the theme, “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan”, the city held activities to promote disaster consciousness among the Bigueños in July. The City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (CDRRMC) chaired by Mayor Eva Medina put together various undertakings that are anchored on disaster preparedness and prevention.
The month –long celebration commenced with a Mass on July 6, officiated by Fr. Vicente “Vet” Avila, Vigan’s New Parish Priest. It was held at the Vigan Culture & Trade Center. In his homily, Fr. Vet emphasized the importance of readiness to take on anything from the simplest challenge to the biggest, the smallest to the most complex calamity, natural or man-made. He added that above all, prayers and faith in God is the most effective instrument as we prepare for disasters. A Motorcade ensued on July 7 with city officials, employees, police, firefighters, maritime unit and NGOs participating. It also paraded the city’s disaster management equipment and vehicles to reassure its constituency of its readiness.
July 11, was the General Cleaning Day.
The following weeks saw an extensive Information & Education Campaign (IEC) on disaster consciousness when the CDRRMC particularly representatives of the City Health Office, PNP, CDRRMO, Fire Department ,the Red Cross trooped the schools to lecture on Basic First Aid, use of the Survival Kit, Fire & Crime Prevention as well as Evacuation. “Our Fragile Wealth” and “Ligtas Likas”, films focusing on environmental protection were shown to the children. The Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Councils (BDRRMCs) also underwent the lectures. To reinforce our re- Greening program, forest and fruit bearing trees were simultaneously planted in designated sites in all barangays on July 28. Families of malnourished children were given seedlings of fruit bearing trees to be planted in their backyards as a means to mitigate the concern on malnutrition.
The STAC Parents Association of Vigan (SPAVI) and teachers, for their part, planted seedlings at the Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center Compound. On the other hand, Neem trees were planted by the education sector in the different school grounds. City officials, CDRRMC members and department heads joined the people of Brgy Mindoro in the tree planting. “Kandaroma” which was harvested in Santa by the CDRRMC, the City ENRO, the City Agriculture Office and the CAFC, the day before, was planted along the coastline of Mindoro Pantay Laud and San Pedro.
Furthermore, frontline service providers of the LGU and CDRRMC members were given Anti Flu shots to keep strengthen their immune system.
To culminate the Disaster Preparedness Consciousness Month, the Quiz DPrep (Disaster Preparedness) was conducted at the Vigan Culture and Trade Center. The quiz is a competition among elementary, secondary and college students of schools in Vigan. It is measure to encourage our children to learn and excel in the aspect of Disaster Preparedness. The following is result of the “QUIZ D Prep:
Elementary Category with 20 participants
1st Place -Julan Cedrick Agueras
Mindoro Elementary School
2nd Place -Carl Justin Ballerta
Pantay Elementary School
3rd Place -John Glen Paat
Divine Word College of Vigan
Secondary Category with 5 participants
1st Place -Vernon Jerald Pomares
Vigan National High School West
2nd Place -Raymart Bilgera
Vigan National High School East
3rd Place -Rodelyn Reyes
University of Northern Philippines
College Category with 4 participants
1st Place -Jean Nerri Ramos
University of Northern Philippines
2nd Place -Regina Tabangcura
AMA Computer Learning Center
3rd Place -Caren Kristia Adora
St. Paul University System