With the goal of enhancing resilience, the Department of Science and Technology, the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, the Office of Civil Defense, and the Office of Senator Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri, have partnered to conduct a DRRM contingency planning workshop in Valencia City on August 16-18.
All two cities and 22 municipalities were represented during the four-day event with a series of trainings and workshops conducted at Hotel de Susana. Experts from DOST – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and OCD were tapped as resource persons for the workshops.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. graced the event as the keynote lecturer. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of good governance in terms of disaster preparedness. “Good disaster risk governance can be measured by lives saved, fewer people affected, and reduced economic loss,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of utilizing technologies to address the natural hazards present in certain areas in the country, one of which is the GeoRisk PH initiative.
With him is the DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Usec. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST PAGASA Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Nathaniel Servando, Mindanao PAGASA regional services division Chief, Anthony Joseph Lucero, and the OCD-X Director Antonio B. Sugarol.
Bukidnon Governor Rogelio ‘Oniel’ Roque also highlighted the importance of science, technology, and innovation and their application in the province, that solutions to pressing hazard and climate concerns should be available, accessible, and applicable in the local setting.
The major objective of the event was to update and improve the current DRRM plans of the LGUs, particularly on landslides, flash floods, and earthquakes. It is also aimed that DOST technologies will be included in these plans and utilized by the LGUs for improved risk reduction, prevention, and mitigation.
Among the specific topics discussed by DOST PAGASA are hydrometrical hazards, the tropical cyclone warning system, flood and general flood advisory, and the climate of Bukidnon. The OCD will also be discussing Contingency Planning Factors, Cluster Implementation Plan, and Incident Command Incident Management Team (IMT).
DOST Provincial Director vowed continuity to the initiative. During the press conference, PD Ritchie Mae L. Guno said that there will be a follow-up activity to be conducted in September. Likewise, Regional Director Engr. Romela N. Ratilla has invited everyone to witness the HANDA Pilipinas: Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Nationwide Exposition 2023 Mindanao leg on October 4-6, at Atrium, Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. (Nova Belle C. Calotes/DOST 10)
