QUEZON CITY (30 May 2023) | Department of National Defense (DND) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Senior Undersecretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. administered the oaths of newly- appointed third-level officials of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
“On behalf of the One Defense Team, I warmly congratulate and welcome our newly sworn-in directors of the OCD. I trust our new directors to make a profound impact on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) effort. The rainy season is here and I am sure they will soon hit the ground running. I have full confidence in their notable leadership and managerial skills,” Galvez expressed in his message.
The newly-appointed OCD officials were Dir. Eugene Gardon Cabrera; Dir. Cesar Malanum Idio; Dir. Raylindo Salasayo Aniñon; Dir. Ramon Martinez Ochotorena; Dir. Claudio Lopena Yucot; and Dir. Jose Harry Mariano Barber.
The OIC, DND was accompanied by DND Assistant Secretary for Human Resource ASec. Antonio L. Bautista; Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Operations ASec. Raffy Alejandro IV; OCD Director for Administrative and Financial Management Service Dir. Edgar L. Posadas, CESO IV, and other OCD personnel.
The Defense Chief commended the OCD’s accomplishments and achievements over the past years. “Let me also take this opportunity to commend everyone, especially to all the directors, for their outstanding work and significant accomplishments in the past years,” he said.
“They not only cascaded and implemented our national policies down the line but also initiated DRM interventions that aptly address the peculiarities of our local communities. Your achievements and efforts to advance our mission to build enduring resilience in your assigned regions are highly appreciated and would certainly be recognized as notable contributions to nation-building. Thank you for a job well done,” Galvez added.
Meanwhile, Civil Defense Administrator USec. Ariel F. Nepomuceno underlined the crucial responsibility of the OCD in spearheading the national effort on disaster risk reduction and management. Recognizing the significance of their role as public servants, he emphasized the need for the OCD to maintain a constant state of preparedness, foresight, and responsiveness.
“OCD’s task is to take the lead in the national effort on disaster risk reduction and management, therefore, we as public servants, are expected to remain at the height of readiness, foresight and responsiveness. We cannot deliver basic social services to the affected and vulnerable sectors in times of crises if we lack these qualities,” USec. Nepomuceno said in his message, delivered by ASec. Alejandro.
“I assure our stakeholders across the nation that our services in DRM, in building preparedness and resilience, in responding to hazards and in building capacities of our counterparts will continue to grow robust,” Nepomuceno further stated. “I am confident that our third level officials will remain ready and up to this challenge. OCD will remain strong and would only grow stronger through you all.”
Galvez urged the OCD to maintain its role as the country’s premier Disaster and Risk Reduction Management agency that timely helps and serves our people nationwide.
“May all the accomplishments of OCD remain a rallying point to the entire DND family and the country’s DRRM practitioners as we continue to enhance our systems in building climate change adaptive and disaster-resilient communities in the archipelago,” he added.
“Continue to do your best effort, set good examples to your colleagues, lead up front, and inspire everyone with your diligence, compassion, and wisdom. Importantly, always uphold the OCD’s values of excellence, professionalism, integrity, and commitment,” Sr. Usec. Galvez concluded.
