LEGAZPI CITY (PIA5/Albay) — The Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) Philippines led the fire drill simulation for micro businesses owners in Brgy. Pigcale and Baybay in Legazpi City over the weekend.
From May 20 to 21, some 50 micro business or sari-sari store owners and barangay officials joined the drill. They were assisted by personnel of the Legazpi City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management - DRRM Office and Bureau of Fire Protection - Legazpi.
A-PAD Philippines Program Coordinator Maricris M. Biñas said the micro enterprises or sari-sari store owners in the barangays are chosen as the program beneficiaries since residents get their basic needs after a disaster from these MSMEs.
"The focus of this A-PAD Philippines project is the preparedness of micro enterprises aside from the household and community level preparedness. We want to highlight that in a community, there are micro enterprises at the core of livelihood activities of the barangay," Biñas said.
She further stressed the importance of this sector to be prepared and resilient for the community and rise over the impact of any disaster on their daily economic activities.
"They have a big role to play in the community so they will not be victims of disasters or hazards but be partners of the barangay DRRM committee to address concerns on hazards, recovery and resilience," Biñas said.
‘’We are piloting this in 15 Barangays in the Philippines, three from Gabaldon Nueva Ecija, Iloilo City, Surigao City, Naga City, and Legazpi City,’’ Biñas said.
On May 19, Legazpi CDRRMO received a crown megaphone (6), whistle (150), search light (9), and solar panel kit with battery (3) from A-PAD Philippines that will be distributed to some Barangays.
Biñas noted that the activity is a pilot project supported by Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) is a trans-national disaster aid alliance that works to facilitate cooperation and understanding between governments, private companies, and NGOs in the Asia Pacific region.
CDRRMO In-Charge of Operations and Warning Division Beverly Anne Armeña offered assistance on conducting drills in offices, barangay, establishments, and schools regarding disaster resilience.
‘’We are encouraging the public to participate in such activities to train them on what to do and be prepared in case of calamities such as fire,’’ Armeña said.
‘’All of us in the community have the responsibility, we should volunteer to help every individual in need,’’ Armeña added. (PIA5/Albay/SAA/CLM)
