Tuesday, February 4, 2014

DavNor strengthen ties with AFP over disaster risk reduction

DAVAO DEL  NORTE, Feb. 03 (PIA)---- After peace and development convergence, the provincial government of Davao del Norte  and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are set to forge efforts towards reducing risks caused by natural disaster.

During the Monday Convocation, Davao del Norte Provincial Gov.  Rodolfo P. del Rosario expressed intention to keep the partnership with AFP to push Oplan ANDAM “as we see the growing threat to people’s lives not only due  to political conflicts but also due to natural disasters.”

Davao del Norte has rolled out since December last year the Oplan ANDAM which stands for Advocacy on Natural Disasters Awareness and Management to bring down disaster preparedness to the community and the household levels.

Del Rosario acknowledged AFP’s crucial role “as protector of the people” not only in armed-conflict but even in post disaster scenario. “The AFP has always been present either as keepers of peace or active (participants) in search and rescue operations,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario said that the climate change placed local governments and the AFP in a fight with an enemy “that knows no boundary and no political ideology,” but he believed that disaster risks could be reduced and peace would still reign despite the calamities as both had resolved to serve the public.

Both having people-centered thrusts, the  provincial government of Davao del Norte and the AFP through the 10th Inf. Division rolled out the Convergence for Peace and Development from 2012 to 2013, bringing community services at the barangay level.

The Convergence put together the Peace and Development Program (PDOP) founded on the Oplan Bayanihan of the AFP   and the P.E.O.P.L.E Agenda of Davao del Norte Provincial Government.

Aside from reaching far-flung communities,  Del Rosario revealed that the Convergence for Peace and Development raised the number of rebel returnees in Davao del Norte and changed people’s view of the military.

The partnership made Davao del Norte earned the merits  of the AFP national headquarters which awarded it the “AFP Bayanihan Award 2013”.

Bernardo turned over the plaque of recognition to Del Rosario this morning during the Monday Convocation.

Del Rosario extended gratitude to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for the citation as he accepted the award which honor he shared  with Provincial Capitol department heads and employees “who worked in planning and implementing the Convergence for Peace and Development.”  (PIA 11/ Jeanevive D. Abangan)

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