LINGAYEN–The Disaster Preparedness and Response Mechanisms in schools throughout Pangasinan will be enhanced through a joint program to be undertaken by the provincial government, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and the Department of Education (DepEd).

The three institutions signed a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement last June 27 at the Governor’s Office here.

Nineteen schools have been identified as pilot beneficiaries based on their level of vulnerability to natural and human-induced calamities.

The schools are located in the towns of Aguilar, Calasiao and Sta. Barbara, which are all flood- prone areas.

The program, targeted for completion by April 2012, will involve all local government units, schools and other stakeholders in the provincial, municipal and barangay levels.

The PRC will provide capability-building activities on School Disaster Risk Reduction to 75 teachers with first aid and basic life support training and mobilization activities.

It will also provide first aid kits and information-education materials.

The DepEd, on the other hand, will coordinate teachers and students to sustain activities under the program.

The provincial government will provide manpower and necessary counterpart funding during the implementation of the project.

DAGUPAN

A similar agreement was signed in Dagupan by Mayor Benjamin Lim with the representatives of Philippine Red Cross, Dr. Vivencio Villaflor Jr. and Florame Magalong, and the representatives of the DepEd Schools Division office.

Villaflor said the project, which is under the auspices of the German Red Cross, was initiated following the devastation caused by typhoon “Pepeng” in 2009, which affected Pangasinan, among other parts of Luzon.

Aside from Dagupan, Villaflor said the towns of Sta. Barbara and Calasiao were also tapped as beneficiaries. (PIO/CIO)

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