Cebu Province Launches Disability-Inclusive DDR Network

The Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management (PDRRMO) through the Cebu Disabled People’s Organization project launched the Cebu Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) Network at Capitol grounds last Oct. 16.

The Cebu DiDRR Network is an advocacy coalition of governments, civil society organizations and disabled people’s organizations working towards disability inclusion in disaster risk reduction and development.

With the theme “Promoting Disability-inclusive DRR for Resilient, Inclusive and Equitable Philippines,” the event was in line with the celebration of the International Day for Disaster Reduction. It is considered the first DiDRR network in the Philippines.

“Kinahanglan magplano gayud kita alang sa atong mga PWDs o persons with disabilities (We also need to plan out to address the needs of our PWDs),” said Governor Hilario P. Davide III.

He urged the event organizers and participants to craft a plan that considers the needs of the disabled in terms of availability of evacuation centers, easily lifted beds and skilled paramedics and psychologists during and immediately after a disaster.

“More than that, also consider the needs and aspirations of the disabled in a sustainable program and include them in the over-all community building,” Davide said.

He added that the Cebu Provincial Government is committed to the programs and projects PWDs.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale assured the PWDs with local government unit support.

“We in the legislative department will continue to work on programs and policies that will benefit the PWDs. Kung unsay gisaad sa gobernador kami man ang mag-aprobar sa budget (What is promised by the governor, we will be the one to approve the budget). You have our support,” Magpale said.

Aloy Cañete, executive director of the Alternative to Development (A2D) project, said that there are three things on how to support the network. A2D is the implementing arm of this project. A2D

“First is the capacity building process followed by economic resilience and lastly will be the moral support,” said Cañete. A2D is the implementing arm of this project.

The project aims to promote equal rights of PWDs in disasters and establish disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and management policies, plans and strategies at the national level for implementation at the local level.

www.cebu.gov.ph