Wednesday, January 10, 2007 Foreign group donates calamity tools to Dagupan
DAGUPAN CITY -- The United States Agency for International Development (Usaid) turned over disaster preparedness equipment to the eight barangays here that are recipients of the agency's Project Promise.
The turnover of bancas and first aid supplies and equipment that include tents, life vests, transistor radio, megaphones, hard hats and flashlights to Barangays Bacayao Norte, Bacayao Sur, Lasip Chico, Mangin, Tebeng, Salisays, Lasip Grande, and Pogo Grande was held on Monday after a thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Father Rojohn Ramirez.
Mayor Benjamin Lim and Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez helped USAid communications specialist Kevin Donahue in turning over the items to the recipients.
"The importance of Project Promise is it allows us to make advance preparation for natural disasters, flooding in Dagupan City areas in particular," Donahue said.
"We are aware that natural disaster is becoming more frequent. And the impact is becoming more severe. It is important that we prepare. The more work we can do in advance, the more equipment that we can put in place, the more lives we can save," he added.
During his speech, Donahue cited hurricane Katrina, which ravaged the City of New Orleans in September 2005.
"The Philippines was one of the first countries to offer support and assistance to the survivors. And for that, the American people are very grateful," he said.
Lim, for his part, thanked USAid, saying the grant would "help the people of Dagupan prepare for any disaster." (LCMY/Sunnex)
