Aquino cites 2 gov’t agencies for disaster response

President Benigno Aquino III. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—President Aquino on Thursday drew the state’s information arm and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) closer to the core of the government’s disaster preparedness program, saying their efficiency would also be measured “by the number of lives you save.”

The President urged the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the DOST to make full use of their resources as disasters became more fierce and frequent.

He said: “The pressure on you to continue your good performance is intense since your efficiency will be measured not just by your traditional metrics, but by the number of lives you do save.”

The DOST supervises the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, which tracks the path of storms, while the PIA oversees state-run TV and radio stations, among others.

Highest national recognition

Aquino handed out Philippine Quality Awards (PQAs) to the two agencies, as well as to the Lyceum of the Philippines University, Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities’ Commission on Accreditation, and the Zamboanga Polymedic Hospital, in ceremonies at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall.

The PQA, the country’s counterpart of the American Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, is the highest national recognition for exemplary organization performance.

With these awards, the President said the responsibilities of government institutions would increase even more and should prod agencies and companies “to do even better.”

“They must challenge you to go above and beyond your proven standards. In the coming weeks, months and years, you will be tested in different ways—and the way you respond to those challenges will have a drastic effect on the quality of life of our fellow Filipinos,” he said.