Barangay leaders told: Be ready for calamities

BARANGAY officials in Cebu’s 1st district were reminded to always be prepared to mobilize their disaster councils on short notice when calamities hit their communities.

In his speech during yesterday afternoon’s oath-taking ceremonies, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said last month’s 7.2 earthquake and supertyphoon “Yolanda” on Nov. 8 are potent reminders that the province must be prepared to deal with calamities.

“Trees fell down, houses and other properties were destroyed and a lot of lives were lost due to these recent disasters. We should be better prepared from now on. Preparation is the way to go,” he said.

Davide spoke before more than 700 barangay officials from the 1st district who took their oath before him and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale at the Capitol.

He said barangay officials should focus on capacity building of their disaster management council’s personnel and hold meetings to assess their capabilities and equipment.

The barangay officials, most of whom are allied with the Liberal Party (LP) Cebu chapter, came from more than 130 barangays in the cities of Talisay, Naga, Carcar and the towns of Minglanilla, San Fernando and Sibonga.

Davide also reminded barangay officials to practice transparency and accountablity in their transactions.

He said his administration will support them regardless of their political affiliation. Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos