Guiao hails Pinoy citizen McTavish
native who relocated to Clark in Pampanga on February 12, 1967, marrying Carmen Tayag of the illustrious Tayag family of Angeles City. Now 77 years old, he has applied for Filipino citizenship as early as 2010.
“It could not have come at a better time for Bruce. Now, he is a bonafide Kapampangan and a genuine Filipino. And we are very happy about this since he really is a Filipino at the very start. It’s a very rare honor that he is now officially one of us,” Guiao told Sun.Star Pampanga.
Guiao recalled that he refiled then Representative Carmelo Lazatin’s bill at the House of Representatives in 2010 endorsing McTavish’s application for citizenship by naturalization. The committee on justice approved the
He underlined the need for better disaster mitigating programs as well as science-based approach to reduce vulnerabilities to natural hazards as he cited that the Philippines, being located at the western side of the Pacific Ocean, is exposed to various occurrence as it is part of the Tropical Cyclone Belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire.
“To give you an idea, the country is prone to an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually. These weather disturbances are accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds that produce floods, landslides, and storm surges. While the number is not projected to rise as we go along, we anticipate stronger typhoons than the past years,” he noted.
Moreover, he warned the public and private sectors to prepare for the possible major earthquake with at least 7.8 magnitude along the West Valley Fault. He explained that the so-called “Big One” may directly hit Metro Manila and nearby provinces of Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, and Bulacan.
While Pampanga is not along any active fault and is found to have the least casualties if the destructive earthquake does strike, Solidum reiterated that the province must still be alert at all times.
He reasoned out that Pampanga, if well-prepared, can help rescue victims and serve as evacuation ground for people affected by the powerful quake, which according to analysis could injure 100,000 people and could cause the lives of over 34,000.
Hence, he urged leaders and the business community to strengthen disaster risk governance and assure that infrastructures and establishments in the province are well-built, scientifically engineered, and earthquake resistant.
He furthered that inspections should also be done regularly to validate that the buildings follow the most recent National Building Code and standards.
Meanwhile, the veteran volcanologist who is currently the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology director, pointed out that the government should prime the Clark International Airport this early, so that it can fully function as the country’s main gateway in a worst case scenario.
“Clark is actually safe from the Big One, so we should really promote the development of Clark International Airport which can seamlessly mobilize international and domestic flights in the event that NAIA becomes non-operational during the catastrophe,” he relayed.
He concluded that he is hoping that Kapampangans would take serious initiatives and unite as one. “I challenge the Kapampangans to show the rest of the Philippines that you don’t only have the indomitable spirit but the flesh to do the actions to make the country truly resilient,” he said.