DILG 10 Preps Brgys for Possible Disasters

As the Vice-Chair for Disaster Preparedness, DILG Region 10 has prepared the Northern Mindanao barangays for disasters in a recently concluded workshop on L!sto si Kap and Listong Pamilyang Pilipino at Dynasty Court Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

“With typhoons usually visiting Mindanao during the fourth quarter of the year, we need to intensify our effort in preparing our barangays,” Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) Chief Hazel L. Occena said.

Occena added that barangays need to review their Barangay Disaster and Risk Reduction Management (BDRRM) Plan to ensure preparedness, significantly that they are the first responders and the primary source of information during calamities.

The three-day activity was conducted in two batches. The first batch catered participants coming from Sumilao, Cagayan de Oro City, Talakag, Libona, Malaybalay City and Baungon while the second batch included LGUs from Claveria, Impasugong, Manolo Fortich, Villanueva, Tagoloan, and Malitbog.

Participants composed of the Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Officer (DRRMO), Punong Barangay, Sangguniang Barangay (SB) on Environment, SB on Women and Children, SK Chairperson, and Barangay Secretary crafted and presented Hazard Identification, Early Warning System, and Existing Protocols on Peacetime, Upon Alert, During, and After Disaster.

During the event, key barangay stakeholders also learned DRRM concepts and legal basis; identified roles and function of the barangay before, during and after disaster; discussed the L!stong Pamilyang Pilipino (Family Preparedness); and formulated their respective action plans for their respective areas.

“All must be proactive before, during, and after disaster,” L!STO Focal Person/Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) V Nasif D. Mangotara said.

On the other hand, Social Welfare Officer (SWO) III Michelle L. Tan of DSWD 10 shared that disaster preparedness must start with the family through the Family Emergency/Disaster Plan and “Emergency Go Kit.”

Tan encouraged the participants to double their warning efforts especially that numerous people are still hesitant to relocate.

Moreover, LGOO V Jacillo D. Orongan shared that planting trees and disposing our garbage properly, no matter how small it may seem, will go a long way in our global effort in response to climate change.

He further emphasized the need of handheld radios to areas with bad cellular signal, as prompt information dissemination saves lives. (DILG PR)