CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Four barangays in Pampanga were recently recognized for their best barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) practices.

Governor Dennis Pineda personally handed the award, together with the Provincial Board members and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), to Barangays Sto. Cristo, Guagua; Capalangan, Apalit; Sta. Lucia, Sta. Ana; and Nigui, Masantol.

The awarding coincided with the gift-giving activity of the Provincial Government that benefitted 5,050 barangay officials.

Pineda said he is humbled by the work the barangay officials have been contributing to the Provincial Government.

He said it was the first time in Pampanga for barangays to be given recognition for their exerted efforts in disaster preparedness.

"I just want to take this chance to thank you for your efforts in bringing services closer to the people. That is why I make sure to coordinate with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) to strengthen our ties in enhancing programs related to disaster preparedness," he said.

He also said that the awarding of barangays for DRRM practices and other services would be done annually during the month of December.

The submission of the best DRRM practices for the barangays started last October 22, with the help of the municipal and city DRRM Offices.

Notable disaster preparedness projects from different barangays were evaluated and as a result, the top four barangays made it to the final list.

Sta. Lucia in Sta. Ana bagged the third place for its effort in capacitating BDRRMC volunteers with 15 members. It joined the bucket relay competition at the second Pampanga Provincial Fire Olympics in relation to its basic life support training.

Tied with Sta. Lucia was Nigui, Masantol. The barangay officials in Nigui were recognized for their floating evacuation center that houses eight to 10 families; water source, which comes from the rain water harvester filter; solar power as electricity source; and comfort room and garden.

Capalangan, Apalit placed second for its fast response, as it converts the municipal vehicle into an ambulance and the barangay patrol into a mini fire truck.

A barangay-wide closed circuit television camera (CCTV) and public address system were also installed to monitor and disseminate information and announcements.

Sto. Cristo, Guagua won the first place for its barangay evacuation center that has a capacity of 50-70 families. The center is fully furnished with comfort rooms and kitchens and equipped with response tools, mini fire trucks, and three water pumps. It is also facilitated by trained barangay rescuers.

The gift-giving activity was attended by representatives from the four districts of Pampanga who were given cash incentives and food packs.(PR)