Peaceful communities necessitate a stronger and sustained partnership- Tomazar

By Norito A. Cabotaje

Wednesday 6th of July 2011

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, July 5 (PIA) -- “Peaceful and safe communities necessitate a stronger and sustained partnership” thus, the words of Vicente F. Tomazar, regional director of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD-4A) and chairman of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-4A) in his speech as guest of honor and speaker in the Kick-off ceremony of the 16TH Police Community Relations (PCR) Month held yesterday morning at Camp Vicente Lim Grandstand this city.

Tomazar said that theme of this year’s celebration “Matatag na Ugnayan ng Mamamayan at Kapulisan Tungo sa Mapayapa at Ligtas na Pamayanan” should be the kind of relationship between the police officers and the people that they sworn to serve and protect.

“Our efforts in advancing our mandated programs will be useless if our constituents are not aware, does not understand, does not help and does not support such undertakings,” he said.

One good measure to gain the support and cooperation of the community for their law enforcement function is police visibility, accessibility and readiness to help, save and protect community members from lawless elements including services before, during and after disasters, he added.

Tomazar is thankful to PNP-4A leadership headed by PCSupt Gil C. Meneses for hosting simultaneously the kick-off ceremonies of the PCR month and the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) with the theme: “Makialam, Makiisa, sa Pagsugpo ng Panganib, May maitutulong ka!”

“We know how disasters-typhoons, earthquake, floods-damaged our country, our people, our lives, and our properties, the challenges the government and the entire citizenry brought about by disasters have become more serious and life threatening,” he claimed.

He emphasized that OCD under Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 is mandated to ensure that government agencies and LGU’s give top priority and take appropriate measures in disaster risk reduction and management.

Also to create an enabling environment for substantial and sustainable participation of civil society organizations, private groups, volunteers and communities and recognize as well their contributions in disaster risk and reduction efforts, he added.

Other highlights of the joint events include one minute silent prayer for the typhoon and other related disaster victims, releasing of balloons and PRO-4A search and rescue drill competition.

In attendance during the activity were RD Josefina Castilla-Go of DILG-4A, members of the RDRRMC, and representatives of DOST, DOH, PIA, NAPOLCOM, DTI and others. (CPG/NAC, PIA-Calabarzon)