The Negros ACE officials take their oaths of office before Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.*Richard Malihan photo
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson called on the mayors of Negros Occidental to revisit their disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) protocols to prevent the loss of lives following the death of six Negrenses last week as heavy rains and floods hit the province.
“In light of the recent flooding in parts of the province, which tragically claimed the lives of several individuals, we are once again reminded of the unpredictability and force of nature. This painful loss calls us to action,” the governor said in his speech at the oathtaking rites of the Negros Association of Chief Executives’ officers at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Thursday, July 24.
“I encourage all our local Chief Executives to revisit our DRRM protocols to avoid such a loss of lives. Disaster response begins long before a calamity strikes. Let us invest not just in equipment and infrastructure, but in planning and, above all, coordination across all levels of government,” he said.
He said this can be addressed with better systems and with stronger partnerships.
Lacson, in an interview, said he wants DRRM protocols reviewed because the recent loss of lives could have been avoided.
Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante, Negros ACE president, said they support the call of the governor for the review of a protocols and a provincewide DRRM summit.
The Negros ACE officers led by Escalante who took their oaths of office before Lacson were:
- Chairman of the Board: Victorias City Mayor Abelardo “JunB” Bantug III
Secretary General: Pontevedra Mayor Jose Maria Alonso
Treasurer: San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara
Auditor: Candoni Mayor Ray Ruiz
Public Information Officer: Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson - Board of Directors:
1st District: Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco
2nd District: Manapla Mayor Mikaela Escalante
3rd District: Victorias City Mayor JunB Bantug
4th District: Bago City Mayor Mayette Javellana-Yao
5th District: Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo
6th District: Hinoba-an Mayor Daph Reliquias
Lone District of Bacolod: Mayor Greg Gasataya*