MARAWI CITY (PIA) – To enhance Lanao del Sur’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) convened a two-day disaster resilience summit on July 22-23, 2024.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including DRRMOs from the 40 local government units in the province, members of the Provincial DRRM Council, and disaster management experts from other parts of the country, to share knowledge and best practices and develop approaches to address vulnerabilities.
The participants were advised on various strategies to build communities capable of withstanding the impact of any disaster, from understanding risks to strengthening risk assessments and proactive planning, improving early warning systems, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting disaster preparedness education.
Provincial DRRMO Officer Shaminoden Sambitory emphasized the province’s vulnerability and the summit’s crucial role in strengthening its disaster management capacity.
“Lanao del Sur, like the rest of the Philippines, is exposed to various hazards. This summit is vital in improving our ability to handle, respond to, and recover from disasters,” Sambitory said.
Key speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement in building disaster resilience. Regional Director Joel Mamon of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Bangsamoro region stressed the need for collaboration and education, while Ranny Magno from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority shared insights on disaster management and the significance of learning from experiences.
“By embracing the spirit of Bayanihan through the whole-of-nation approach, working hand-in-hand with the civil society organizations, the private sectors, and the government agencies, we can ensure that our community is ready to face any adversity and emerge stronger,” Mamon stated.
Magno, on the other hand, underscored the Philippines’ unfortunate status as a “disaster laboratory,” repeatedly facing the brunt of natural calamities. He stressed the importance of learning from these experiences and the need for meticulously crafted disaster preparedness plans.
Jessica Dator-Bercilla of the National Resilience Council highlighted the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction into development plans and the need for thorough risk assessments to craft effective strategies. She noted that understanding community risks is vital for implementing measures that strengthen Lanao del Sur’s resilience, reduce disaster impact, and support sustainable development.
Ansary Alauya Jr., LGOO VI of the Ministry of Interior and Local Government, stressed that sustained disaster awareness and preparedness are imperative in mitigating the effects of calamities.
“Disaster awareness is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to safety and preparedness. It requires collaboration, education, and vigilance. By being aware, prepared, and united, we can face disasters with resilience and reduce their impact,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sambitory explained that the event provided a platform to showcase Lanao del Sur’s experiences in overcoming challenges posed by crises. He emphasized that the province has gained valuable lessons from these experiences and is now well-positioned to build upon its strengths.
He also cited the crucial role of local responders, praising their dedication and heroism in protecting lives and properties during emergencies.
“We have photo and video exhibits to showcase the untold stories of patriotism of our local responders on the ground as they save lives and protect the properties of our people in times of emergencies and disasters,” he added.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to work together in building a more resilient Lanao del Sur. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
