In an interview with reporters on Sunday, Defense department spokesman Peter Paul Galvez confirmed that the President appointed Pama as the new NDRRMC chief and concurrent head of the Office of Civil Defense.
Pama replaces Eduardo del Rosario, who resigned last month, citing his flagging health.
“Upon the submission of a resignation filed by Undersecretary Del Rosario due to health reasons, we forwarded this (recommendation) to the president and the president has accepted it,” Galvez said.
Del Rosario’s stint at the NDDRMC saw major catastrophes such as a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol and other parts of Central Visayas and super typhoon Yolanda, the strongest typhoon to ever make landfall.
The turnover ceremony will be held Monday, he added.
“Alex Pama was selected based on his experience with the Defense department,” Galvez said.
Pama, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1979, retired as Navy chief on December 21, 2012.
Prior to his appointment to the NDRRMC, Pama was the head of the National Coast Watch Council, which reviews and makes recommendations on maritime security policy, a post he held since June 2013. — Rouchelle R. Dinglasan/JDS, GMA News
