KALIBO, Aklan – The Office of Civil Defense-Department of National Defense (OCD-DND) VI, together with PHAP Cares Foundation Inc., launched yesterday the "Pagpakigbuylog sa Pagpangaman (Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction)" project in Madalag gym, Madalag.

OCD Regional Director Rosario Cabrera, chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC), said the project was the same project previously launched in Iloilo City and Guimaras last February 6 and May 15, respectively.

Cabrera said target partners for the project in Aklan are the pilot barangays from Madalag, Malinao, and Libacao.

Present during the launching were Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Reiner W. Gloor, CEO, PHAP Cares Foundation, Inc.

A memorandum of agreement and commitment was signed by various agencies, namely: Departments of Interior and Local Government; Social Welfare and Development; Science and Technology; Agriculture; Environment and Natural Resources; National Economic and Development Authority; Department of Health-Center for Health Development Western Visayas; 3rd Infantry Division Philippine Army; and PNP Regional Office 6.

Other activities held simultaneously were medical and dental mission, ceremonial turn-over of seedlings, health and nutrition education, briefing on DRR and RA 10121 and early warning system during public storm warning signals with the BDRRMCs of the pilot barangays and distribution of DRR information, education, communication materials to recipient barangays.*PIA