To recognize the public service, disaster response, and inter-provincial solidarity of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Camarines Sur and its composite team deployed in the Province of Masbate, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur concluded the Honor Program held at the Digital Transformation Center in Cadlan, Pili on October 27, 2025.
Typhoon Opong severely hit Masbate, causing millions in damages and a significant death toll, and displacing thousands of families. In response to their humanitarian crisis, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, through the PDRRMC, immediately mobilized a composite team in coordination with the Provincial Government of Masbate.
The composite team consisted of 153 personnel from various offices, including the Environment, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO), Provincial Health Office (PHO), General Services Office, Information, Communication, Archiving, and Records Management Office, and Multimedia Education Center of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, alongside personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard. They were deployed in Masbate from September 27 to October 9, 2025.
These agencies played a vital role in the mission, covering camp coordination, water, sanitation, and hygiene, information management, medical, dental, and laboratory services, search, rescue, and retrieval, debris clearing, security, logistics, transportation and hauling of relief goods, ICT support, documentation, and public information.
The humanitarian mission successfully delivered over 8,513 medical consultations, 10,742 laboratory services, and 1,347 dental procedures across 23 barangays in six municipalities and Masbate City. Furthermore, the team distributed 19,456 food packs, deployed potable water systems and mobile kitchens, restored connectivity through 13 Starlink units, and cleared debris from hospitals, roads, schools, and public facilities.
Governor Lray Villafuerte graced the Honor Program and commended the people behind the mission for their dedication, bravery, and commitment to public service.
“Kahit delikado, kahit malayo, agad tayong kumilos. Iniwanan ninyo ang inyong mga bahay [at] ang inyong mga pamilya. Dumiretso kayo sa frontlines dala ang malasakit, tapang, at puso ng isang tunay na taga CamSur at Bikolano,” the governor said.
He emphasized that the team’s action was the true meaning of bayanihan, a genuine sense of compassion for every Bicolano and every Filipino in times of adversity and crisis. “Dinala n’yo ang relief goods, medisina, equipment, at higit sa lahat, nagdala kayo ng pag-asa at pagmamalasakit sa Masbate,” he added.
The governor also urged everyone to continue being an example of unity and compassion, firmly stating that through these values, there is no typhoon they cannot overcome. “From the bottom of my heart, maraming-maraming salamat sainyong lahat. Alam namin ang inyong hirap at tulong,” he concluded.
Dr. Maria Lourdes Damato from PHO shared her testimonies during the mission. “Ito po ‘yung unang beses ko na makapunta doon at ito din po ang unang beses na makakita ako ng lugar na sobrang nasalanta ng bagyo. Halos lahat po ng mga puno at poste ay nagtumbahan at nakakalat sa daan. Nakita po natin ang pinsala sa bahay, sa kabuhayan, at maging sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan.”
Dr. Damato acknowledged that the 12-day humanitarian mission was not enough, but she emphasized that it made the affected residents feel they were not alone.
“Sobrang nakakapagod ngunit sa bawat ngiti, sa bawat pasasalamat, doon po natin nararamdam kung gaano kahalaga ang ating ginawa. ‘Yan po ang nagbibigay inspirasyon sa amin para magpatuloy sa aming serbisyo,” she furthered, underscoring the true meaning of their profession.
Representatives from DSWD RFO5 and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan also expressed their support and recognition of the composite team. Provincial Resolution No. 085 Series of 2025, commending and appreciating the team’s exemplary and meritorious humanitarian service, was also presented at the event.
