The Municipality of Bauang, under the leadership of Municipal Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III, through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), gathered on March 17, 2025 at the Farmers Hall, Municipal Building, for MDRRMO’s first quarter update.

In attendance were SK Federation President Hon. Rich Carlo A. Barnachea, Administrator for Operations Mr. Wilson Samuel C. Caluza, MDRRMO Head Mr. Joel Vincent C. Caniezo, Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President Hon. Edgar B. Beninsig, Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) Head Mr. Abram Marc Valen B. Pimentel, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) Ms. Helen L. Jubilado, line agencies, and focal persons.

Among the topics discussed were MDRRMO’s organization structure, budget utilization, its PPAs or Projects, Programs, and Activities, and its Emergency and Non-Emergency Responses.

Notable among these were the Office’s Special Trust Fund allocated for slope protection in three barangays, and the total number of Emergency and Non-Emergency Responses amounting to 1,059 for 2024.

In the open forum led by the panelists, Mr. Caluza, Mr. Caniezo, and Mr. Beninsig, equipment for signal enhancement has been requested. MDRRMO also requested for additional personnel to staff their satellite office in Barangay Santiago.

The quarterly meetings by the MDRRMO ensure delivery of quality disaster response in Bauang. The government unit of Bauang remains firm in protecting the people of Bauang during hazards so that disasters are prevented.

Written by: Korina Esteban-Ma
Photographed by: Cris Jaime A. Balbuena