SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte — The provincial governments of Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Note recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen disaster management by implementing the We Can Project (WCP) of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Community and Family Services International (CSFI).
The WCP is being implemented in the province of Southern Leyte specifically in Maasin City and the towns of Pintuyan, Padre Burgos, Sogod, St. Bernard, while in the Province of Dinagat Islands, the municipalities of Libjo, Loreto, San Jose, Tubajon were identified. Surigao City in the province of Surigao del Norte, along with San Benito, San Francisco, Burgos, Del Carmen) with a total of 56 barangays were also considered as often battered by typhoons and accustomed to earthquakes and flooding.
The collaboration strengthened the capacities of the identified local government units to promote protection, resilience and sustainable recovery through the four main objectives namely: support basic household expenses through climate-resilient, sustainable livelihoods; reduce community vulnerability through local Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) efforts; assist qualified participants through state-mandated social protection programs; and strengthen community-based mental health and psychosocial support systems.
Surigao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Officer Cicero Cosme P. Tripoli shared that the collaboration will significantly contribute to the goal of intensifying disaster preparedness.
“I am pleased with regard to the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Surigao del Norte and our neighboring provinces aimed at enhancing our Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) efforts. By working together, we can share resources, expertise, and best practices, ensuring a more resilient future for our communities. I encourage all stakeholders to actively engage in this partnership to maximize its impact. Let us unite in our commitment to safeguard lives and livelihoods,” he said.
“The MOU is also consistent with the mandate of Republic Act No. 9729 or the Climate Change Act and RA 10121 or the Disaster Risk Reduction Management which provided a comprehensive, all hazard, multi sectoral, integrated, proactive and community-based approach to disaster risk management. Through the said MoU, the policies can be realized at the provincial level,” he added.
The collaborative agreement established a framework for joint training sessions and disaster preparedness drills. It also created an open channel for real-time communication during emergencies. With this partnership, they can share resources and strategies to ensure that when calamities strike, they can respond effectively and recover swiftly.
Inspired by the diversity of experiences and shared commitment, the three provinces laid down the groundwork for programs that would empower local communities and strategies on building resilient infrastructures, early warning systems, and sustainable farming practices became the highlights of the new collaborative agenda.
“The MoU holds a promise and commitment that even in the face of adversity, we are not alone. We are united, resilient and together “We Can” overcome any challenge,” Tripoli underscored as he emphasized the concurrence of the provinces, together with DFAT and CSFI, is more than just a document. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, a beacon of hope for communities that faced unimaginable hardships. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from Surigao del Norte PDRRMO)
