RDC cites rehab, disaster response initiatives in NorMin

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL, Aug. 1 (PIA)--To strengthen the region's capacity to respond to emergencies, the Regional Development Council (RDC)-10 targets to institutionalize the establishment of disaster risk reduction and management offices, as well as it plans to provide immediate aid to sectors affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic.

Governor Philip Tan encourages residents to work hard and prepare for the new normal. He also urges the people in the region to continue to be innovative and creative despite the health crisis.  (CORDS X)

"My province, Misamis Occidental will take the lead in organizing our province to be able to respond right away to any calamity," RDC-10 Chair and Misamis Occidental Gov. Philip Tan said during the CORDS-X Podcast with Communications Sec. Martin Andanar, August 1.

Tan also reiterates the need for such to save lives and reported maternal rate in the region.

"There is still so much to improve especially with our infant and maternal mortality rates. For 2019, we have expanded the delivery of basic services to 70 LGUs and we have asked DOH (Department of Health) for health facilities and equipment through its Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) funding to promote three infirmaries to level 1." 

Interventions on education 

Giving priority to Indigenous People (IPs), Tan said, "We are preparing our schools to be COVID ready. The Regional Office of DepEd is focused on improving and catering to basic education facilities. In 2019, 99 percent of the primary schools, 96 percent of junior high schools, and 98 percent of senior high schools have been provided with sanitation facilities."

The governor added that last year, the region attained the goal of providing electricity to the elementary schools where 96 percent has been accomplished, 97 percent for junior high, and 98 percent for senior high.

Tan also underscored the need to preserve culture citing the lack of education and opportunities for the IPs.

Moreover, ten IP cultural centers are already establsihed showcasing indigenous cultures and arts, crafts, and music. 

Furthermore, of the 100 high-impact infrastructure flagship projects under the Build, Build, Build Program of the administration, five are implemented in the region. 

Such include the 1) Panguil Bay Bridge, which is targeted to start construction by September 2020; 2) the Laguindingan Airport Development Project; 3) the Agus 3 Hydroelectric Power Project and the Agus-Pulangi Rehabilitation Project; 4) the Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road, which is nearing completion; and 5) the Bukidnon Airport Development Project. (SMRN/PIA Misamis Occidental)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)