(Photo courtesy of DND)
MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge, Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr., has assured the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) of all the support the agency needs in protecting the country and its citizens from the effects of calamities.
"OCD can be assured of the support of the DND leadership as it continues its mission to protect the people, build resilience and promote the country’s development,” he said during his first official visit to the agency Wednesday.
Faustino also commended the OCD and its regional offices for all the accomplishments in the field of disaster risk reduction and management and for ensuring the safety of the Filipino people against all threats of disaster.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of the leaders and personnel of OCD all throughout the various emergencies that the country faced.
Faustino was welcomed by OCD administrator, Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, during his visit to the agency's new administration building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
He and his party were given a comprehensive briefing on the mandate, programs, and activities of the OCD including its functions as the executive arm of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Jalad also presented Faustino and the other new DND officials with the accomplishments and thrusts of the OCD as well as an overview of the Philippine DRRM System.
Faustino was also introduced to his role as chairperson of the NDRRMC and the upcoming DRRM engagements which the DND OIC is expected to attend in 2022.
In a turnover activity held last July 1, Faustino vowed to continue the advancement of the country’s defense establishment started by his predecessor Delfin Lorenzana.
Faustino, a retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, will assume office as Defense Secretary on November 13, after the one-year appointment ban on retired military officials. (PNA)
