CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – “The crisis we are confronting is not a typhoon, flood, or the usual disasters we prepare for. This is a different kind of disaster—one that affects not only us but the entire world. That is why we must study how we can survive and respond effectively.”
Thus, Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda sounded the call to readiness for the emerging impact of the tensions in the Middle East to the province, notably the surge in the price of petroleum products that precipitates the increase in the cost of living.
An immediate response was the Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) approving P90-million trust fund accumulated from the previous year to strengthen the province’s preparedness.
The approval was granted during the council’s First Quarterly Meeting presided over by the governor herself, as PDRRMC chair, and Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, as council vice chair. The fund allocation was authorized through PDRRMC Resolution No. 2.
“We need additional funds now because of the crisis we are facing in the Middle East. This will be a big help,” noted the governor, thanking the council for its prompt response.
Aside from the P90-million trust fund, the council also noted the availability of an additional P60 million from trust funds accumulated in previous years, which may be tapped to further support the province’s disaster preparedness and response initiatives.
The governor stressed that the provincial government must always be ready with sufficient resources to provide immediate assistance to Kapampangans who may be severely affected by any crisis.
As part of the province’s preparedness measures, Pineda also issued an executive order implementing a four-day workweek at the Capitol and in municipal offices across Pampanga.
Under the order, government employees will work from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Thursday, a move aimed at helping reduce fuel consumption and mitigate the impact of possible oil price increases and supply disruptions.
Provincial officials said the measure is part of broader efforts to ensure that Pampanga remains resilient and ready to respond to emerging global challenges that may affect the local economy and daily life of its residents. Punto News Team/Photo: Pampanga PIO
