Cebu PDRRMO Trains PWDs In Disaster Management, Preparedness

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) recently conducted a trainers’ training on disaster preparedness and response mechanisms for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Baltazar Tribunalo, PDRRMO head in Cebu province, introduced to the representatives of PWD groups the Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CBDRRM) for them to be capable despite vulnerabilities posed by disasters.

They were first given the local and Philippine disaster situation which, Tribunalo said, is seen to affect PWDs as part of the vulnerable sector.

“That is why there is a need to capacitate them, have them ready and involved in all aspects in disaster management,” Tribunalo said.

They were made to understand the national warning systems to help families and communities in their respective DRRM plans.

Under said topic is the processing and relay of information to the national DRRMC including the different warning systems for hazards in the country and the modification of the Philippine Public Storm Warning System.

They also learned about relief delivery from food to non-food and search and rescue operations.

The discussions include concepts of DRRM, vulnerabilities and capacities of at-risk persons, conduct of Community Risk Assessment, importance of prevention, mitigation and preparedness and their respective roles in the CBDRRM.

The participating non-government organizations include AKAP Pinoy, Handicap International, and the National Council on Disability Affairs. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)