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Monday, September 23, 2013

ZamboSur’s Barangay Emergency Response Team holds First Congress

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - Nine thousand members of the Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT)  convened at the  CYC Sports Complex, Provincial Government Center, Dao, this city for its First Congress on September 17, 2013.

Tasked to be the first responders in natural and man-made disaster in their respective barangays, BERT is a national strategy created to address the need for an on time response during emergency situations.

Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles in his speech, recognized the vital role they play since they are in the frontline and  the first to know what happens and what goes on in their barangay.

“Remember that you have a very important role in nation-building. We are all Filipinos and we have an obligation to help our country. We should not settle ourselves with our regional representation. We should not say we are Cebuano, Tagalog, Ilocano or what. What is is important and foremost is that, all of us are Filipinos,” the governor said emphatically.

He said BERT members promote the right of the people to health and safety from all circumstances. They guard the peace and security of the barangay.

We can do much to help President Benigno C. Aquino III. He needs your help. He needs your presence  in every barangay. He needs Filipinos who are strong and who have the heart to help our country,” he went on to encourage the BERT members.

Cerilles said although the elected officials in Zamboanga del Sur mostly belong to the Mationalist Peoples’ Coalition (NPC),  they have given their full support to the leadership of Pnoy because we are all Filipinos. He vowed his  sustained collaboration with the administration of PNoy until his term ends in 2016.  (PIA9)