REACT Inc. celebrates 34th year in service

CEBU, Philippines - In celebration of its 34th year of voluntary service, members of the Regional Emergency Assistance Communications Team Phil. Incorporated (REACT) are gathered in Cebu for a convention to discuss the group’s programs.

Gregorio “Exor” V. Pacifico, REACT national president, said one main purpose of the two-day event, which started yesterday, is for the group to share about the operations and projects for the past two years.

REACT is one of the largest Radio Civic Organizations helping the government during emergencies and calamities.

Since 1982, REACT has been affiliated with the Civil Relations Service AFP, National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), DSWD, OCD, DENR, PNP and other agencies. It has 1,800 regular members and 2,500 extensions all over the Philippines.

One of the highlights of the convention is the symbolic turnover of Pacifico of the presidency to Bon Mark “Braveheart” Uy, incoming national president for 2016 to 2018.

Pacifico shared yesterday about the minor problems he encountered regarding the equipment and trainings. However, because of the tie up of the NDRRMC, Red Cross and other partners, members of REACT were well-trained in responding to emergencies and calamities.

During the first day of the convention at J Centre Convention Hall in Mandaue City, Colonel Edwin Sadang (SC), PA senior military assistant to civil defense assistance, lectured about National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP) and Rapid Emergency Telecommunications Team (RETT) Guidelines.

Pacifico, who emphasized the importance of the roles and responsibilities of REACTors, is set to turn over his position to Uy today. — (FREEMAN)