Written by: May Anne Pelenio & Beatriz Faye G. Carreon | Photos by: Janzen Mari Q. Pang & Daryne T. Mayol
Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX successfully concluded the Regional Training of Trainers on Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM) and the Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC), empowering key stakeholders to become advocates for disaster preparedness and child-focused emergency response.
Held in a collaborative learning environment, the training brought together Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs), Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (LDRRMOs), Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDCs), and DILG focal persons. These participants will play a crucial role in cascading the training to local government units (LGUs) and serving as resource speakers in their respective areas.
The program featured a distinguished panel of speakers from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Dipolog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO). Their comprehensive discussions covered essential topics such as community-based disaster preparedness, risk assessment, emergency planning, and the integration of child-focused strategies in disaster management.
To reinforce theoretical learning, the training incorporated hands-on workshops and practical exercises, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in simulated scenarios. These activities ensured that attendees not only grasped the concepts but also developed the confidence and skills to lead community-level initiatives effectively.
By the end of the training, participants expressed their readiness and enthusiasm to facilitate the program’s roll-out, emphasizing the importance of equipping communities with the tools to address vulnerabilities, safeguard lives, and prioritize the well-being of children during emergencies.
The DILG IX’s initiative aligns with its commitment to building resilient communities through education, capacity-building, and inclusive disaster risk reduction efforts, setting a benchmark for effective local governance in the face of adversity.