LUBAO, Pampanga – The provincial government of Pampanga on Monday equipped members of the "Nanay Community Workers" with the necessary knowledge and skills on how to respond to emergency in times of disaster.
Spearheaded by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the seminar-- held in two separate venues here and in the City of San Fernando -- gave some 5,656 women the orientation and technical know-how on the province's flag-based early warning system.
Governor Lilia Pineda said the group members play an important role in their respective communities to immediately implement disaster and 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,” she told the women.
PDRRMO head Angelina Blanco said the objective of the activity is to keep the province safe, ready, and well-informed during typhoons and other natural calamities through the effective participation of the mothers.
“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 Nanay Community Workers in the province's flag-based early warning system,” she said.
Blanco noted that the organization members are the provincial government’s extension to the people in the barangays.
“Nanay Community Workers serve 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,” she said.
Blanco said barangay officials and the group members would be responsible for the management of flag warnings in the villages to help speed up communication and coordination about an impending calamity.
These flags were categorized into five colors, each representing rainfall alerts and tropical cyclone warnings from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration which can help people better understand the protocols set by National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in times of disaster and calamity.
The white flag warns of an impending typhoon; yellow flag for typhoon Signal No. 1 rainfall alert; orange or Signal No. 2; red for Signal No. 3; and blue for tsunami and storm surge alert in the coastal areas.
During the event, Governor Pineda also thanked the Nanay Community Workers for their contributions and active participation in the government’s programs, services, and campaigns. (PNA)
