PGIN, DOST-PAGASA conduct MAAGAP seminar

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), conducted the “Maagang Aksyon at Akmang Gawin Ayon sa Panahon (MAAGAP)” awareness seminar at the Paoay Lake JLP Resort and Hotel, on June 29.

MAAGAP is an information, education, and communication campaign of DOST-PAGASA. It aims to ensure that local government units (LGU) and disaster risk reduction officers understand hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks their town faces to effectively communicate policies and strategies to their communities.

The seminar focused on Hydro-Meteorological Hazards - these are atmospheric phenomena, like thunderstorms, heavy rainfalls, floods, typhoons, and landslides, that could cause severe aftermaths.

Over the years, Ilocos Norte has been prone to these calamities, leading to injuries, property damages, loss of livelihoods, and even the loss of people’s lives.

Thus, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc expressed his sincerest gratitude to PAGASA for conducting this seminar, saying:

"Gusto ko lang i-express ang aking pasasalamat, once again, to PAGASA for helping Ilocos Norte, because we know umiiba [na] ang panahon dahil po sa climate change."

“Mahalaga ang role o layunin ng PAGASA [and] we need to work closely, rely [on], and of course help them in terms of their equipment and amenities because we need to be faster than ever kasi unpredictable po talaga ang ating panahon,” Gov. Marcos Manotoc added.

He also assured the full support of PGIN to PAGASA and the 21 municipalities and two (2) cities of the province towards their efforts to mitigate any risks and disasters.

Gov. Marcos Manotoc anticipates better cooperation and coordination with all LGUs of Ilocos Norte to ensure more effective and efficient implementation of preparedness measures and mitigation control actions for the safety and welfare of the Ilokano community