Published on: December 14, 2023 | Written by: Eunitte Jay D. Bacay

Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX conducted a 2-day Operation L!sto: Disaster Preparedness Manuals Rollout, which focused on disaster preparedness and its technical aspects for every Local Government Unit (LGU) and its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (LDRRMOs) in the event of unwanted disasters. This national advocacy program of the government aims to build safe, disaster and climate-resilient communities using a whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach.

This event was made possible by different resource speakers from various areas of expertise who played a significant role in educating participants from different LGUs in Zamboanga Peninsula.

The first resource speaker for this event was April Love E. Castillon, a Meteorologist from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) of Dipolog City. She shared her technical knowledge and expertise in Hydrometeorological Hazards, Risks, and Community Impact.

On the other hand, LGOO II Alyssa Katrina B. Salomon provided an overview of the Disaster Preparedness Manual on Hydromet Protocols for city and municipal LGUs.

The third resource speaker was Engr. Florenette B. Garcia from DOST – Philippine Institute on Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), who also shared her expertise to the participants, focusing on Earthquakes and Earthquake Hazards (Tsunami).

DILG IX also invited Atty. Ruel S. Halanes, Assistant Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) IX, who shared his technical knowledge in the L!sto program.

The 2-day activity took place at Top Plaza Hotel, Dipolog City. A crucial aspect of this program involves the creation of disaster preparedness manuals or protocols aimed at assisting Local Government Units (LGUs) in planning and taking action to minimize the adverse effect of disasters. This, in turn, enhances efforts to prepare communities for disasters at the local level.