NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) — Americares Philippines and the towns of Naval and Caibiran in Biliran province signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Program focused on Health.
The MOA was signed separately by Americares Country Director Paul Gwyn Pagaran, Naval Mayor Gretchen Stephine M. Espina, Caibiran Mayor Rhodessa Revita Delante, and the municipal health officers and MDRRMOs of both towns on September 11, 2023.
The MOA, with implementation period September 11, 2023 until June 29, 2024, seeks to advance the skills of personnel of the Rural Health Unit (RHU) and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to meet complex patient and community needs, effectively prepare and respond to disasters, and to reinstate critical health services.
It also aims to ensure that the municipality has functional and essential emergency management systems in place.
In the MOA, Americares Philippines shall support capability building through conduct of training and disaster risk reduction simulation exercise Level I for Caibiran and Level II for Naval; administrative and logistical support; distribution of DRR supplies and equipment; field monitoring and local coordination visits; special events; and coaching/mentoring sessions.
Pagaran said the MOA signing was a significant step towards enhancing the preparedness and response capabilities of these areas in the face of disasters.
“This agreement aims to prioritize the health and safety of the communities by implementing effective measures to mitigate and ensure timely and efficient healthcare services during emergencies,” Pagaran emphasized.
He added that by collaborating and coordinating efforts between relevant stakeholders, the agreement will contribute to building resilient communities and reducing the impact of disasters on the health sector. (MMP/RSV/PIA Biliran)
