BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC) renewed its commitment in pushing for a pro-active stand in ensuring disaster and climate resilient communities in the region during the commemoration of the 1990 Luzon Killer Earthquake, and in observance of National Disaster Resilience Month 2024.
Civil Defense Regional Director and CRDRRMC Chairperson and Albert Mogol led other council officials and members in a cañao (a Cordillera indigenous ritual) to offer prayers for those who died during the July 16, 1990 earthquake, and to seek spiritual guidance in ensuring safe and resilient communities in the region, especially this rainy season.
In the kapihan media forum that followed, Mogol reported on the OCD – CAR accomplishments, while the lead agencies of the CDRRMC’s four thematic areas shared their achievements and present DRRM initiatives towards disaster- ready and resilient communities.
Department of Science and Technology Regional Director Nancy Bantog reported for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation thematic area, Dept. of Social Welfare and Development Assistant Regional Director Enrico Gascon Jr. for Disaster Response, Danilo Azarcon of the Dept. of Interior and Local Government for Disaster Preparedness, and NEDA -CAR Regional Director Susan Sumbeling for Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery.
Engr Larry Esperanza of PAGASA Baguio Synoptic Station provided updates on the latest climate outlook while Geeny Ann Austria of the Department of Health gave updates of health-related concerns in the region.
Mogol reiterated his call for continuing partnership among CRDRRMC member agencies and all the local government units in the region through their provincial/city/municipal DRRM councils to ensure preparedness in line with council’s mantra of “Sa Cordillera, Bida ang Handa.”
Likewise, strengthened initiatives for disaster and climate resilient communities in the region.
“Here in the Cordillera Administrative Region, we are no strangers to the challenges posed by natural and human induced hazards from landslides to floods, our communities have consistently shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
“We must continue to strengthen our preparedness and response mechanisms to ensure that our communities are better equipped to handle the impacts of disasters. This includes improving early warning systems, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and implementing mitigation strategies,” he said.
This year’s NDRM theme of Bantayog ng Katatagan at ang pagbubuklod sa layuning kahandaan” resonates deeply with our efforts to build a more resilient region, Mogol said. (CCD/PIA CAR)
