The Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya has conducted the inaugural meeting of Task Force Uwan, the body created to lead and monitor post-disaster rehabilitation following the heavy damage brought by Super Typhoon Uwan.
The task force was established through Executive Order No. 22 issued by Governor Atty. Jose “Jing” V. Gambito, who appointed Mr. King Webster B. Balaw-ing, Acting Chief of the Public Affairs and Information Assistance Division (PAIAD), as chairperson. Members include Provincial Engineer Engr. Jerry A, Tan, Provincial Agriculturist Absalom Rizal D. Baysa, Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Anthony F. Cortez, and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Flordelina C. Granada. PAIAD will also serve as the task force secretariat.
The Office of the Governor through the PDRRMO has initially reported over ₱2 billion in damages so far, excluding those under national and local government infrastructure. Assessments continue as more data is validated.
During the meeting, Balaw-ing emphasized that the task force represents the Governor’s “no one will be left behind” principle, and expressed the desire of Gov. Gambito for the Task Force Uwan to work towards building resilience of Novo Vizcayanos, stressing that a single typhoon can erase years of development, making long-term, sustainable recovery essential.
Task force members discussed the need to centralize damage reporting in all sectors to establish an accurate baseline for rehabilitation planning. This baseline will guide targeted assistance and prevent fragmented or duplicated efforts.
He said recovery efforts will focus on livelihood and business development, agriculture and fisheries, housing and settlement, social services, and physical infrastructure. Strengthening these five sectors, he noted, will help break the cycle of repeated disaster response.
Balaw-ing urged its members to work closely together, emphasizing the importance of proper documentation, reporting, and fund mobilization. He called for a clear timetable to ensure recovery programs do not remain on paper. With the magnitude of the responsibility entrusted to the task force, Balaw-ing said, “This huge responsibility boils down to how well we document, generate reports, and capture the realities in every community.’
The meeting concluded with his words of encouragement, “ Magtulungan po tayo, let us work together to rebuild the resilience of Nueva Vizcaya and address the gaps that made us vulnerable during Typhoon Uwan.” gloria
[This article was initially created on Facebook – Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. For PGNV updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]
