Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon | Photos by: Jasten Dwight B. Desierto
Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – To ensure that evacuation protocols and centers are inclusive and accessible to all, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX, as part of the Australian Awards’ GEDSI and Climate Change Resilience Program, spearheaded the Focus Group Discussion with Experts and Thought Leaders: The Development of GEDSI-Sensitive Minimum Standards for Evacuation Protocols and Evacuation Centers on March 20, 2025, at the DILG IX Conference Hall, Pagadian City.
The discussion brought together representatives from marginalized and vulnerable sectors, including the Interfaith Sector, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), LGBTQIA+ communities, Indigenous Peoples (Subanen), Senior Citizens (OSCA), Local Government Units (LGUs), and concerned National Government Agencies such as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
Advancing Inclusive Disaster Response
Participants engaged in a series of presentations aimed at assessing existing evacuation protocols and identifying gaps in inclusivity. Topics covered included:
✅ Current Evacuation Protocols and Standards – A review of existing guidelines and policies in managing evacuation centers.
✅ GEDSI Disaster Response: Addressing Inclusion Gaps in Evacuation Management – Highlighting the importance of gender equality, disability inclusion, and social protection in disaster response.
✅ Voices from the Ground: Perspectives from Affected Communities – Firsthand experiences and challenges shared by community members who have undergone evacuation.
Breakout Group Discussions for Tailored Solutions
To facilitate in-depth discussions, participants were divided into three breakout groups focusing on specific concerns:
🔹 Breakout Group 1: Inclusive Evacuation Protocols – Ensuring protocols cater to the needs of marginalized groups.
🔹 Breakout Group 2: Evacuation Center Infrastructure & Accessibility – Improving facilities for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and other vulnerable groups.
🔹 Breakout Group 3: Service Delivery & Community Engagement – Strengthening support services and participation of affected communities in decision-making.
The insights and recommendations gathered from the discussions will serve as the foundation for developing GEDSI-sensitive minimum standards for evacuation protocols and centers, ensuring that disaster response efforts in the region uphold inclusivity, accessibility, and dignity for all.DILG IX remains committed to fostering disaster resilience through inclusive governance and strengthening policies that prioritize the needs of marginalized communities.
