BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council(CRDRRMC)  hosted a two- day Resilience Summit 2023 on   July 12 – 13  at the   Newtown Plaza Convention Center here  in line with the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month.

 Spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense – Cordillera(OCD-CAR), the Regional Resilience Summit was attended by more than 300 local chief executives, local DRRM officers, officials/representatives from CRDRRMC member agencies and other stakeholders.

 The first day of the summit featured plenary sessions   on the Philippine DRRM System , the Cordillera Regional Disaster Response Plan for Earthquake by  OCD – CAR; Geologic Impact of Earthquakes in the Cordillera by the Mines and Geo – Science Bureau; Oplan Metro Yakal Plus by the Metro Manila Development Authority,  and  on the Cordillera Landslide Knowledge Management Center of the University of the Philippines – Baguio.

 The  three breakout sessions  tackled Research, Development and Innovations for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation by the  Department of Science and Technology, Disaster Preparedness by  the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government and Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery by National Economic and Development Authority(NEDA – CAR).

For the second day, tackled in the plenary session are the Philippine Development Plan 2023 – 2028: Accelerating Climate Action and Strengthening Disaster Resilience by NEDA  and the consolidated 2022 Gawad KALASAG Results and other DRRM fund issues and concerns.

The  breakout sessions focused  on resilience programs for LGUs/stakeholders on Disaster Response and Early Recovery that include  the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development  programs on risk resilience, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation   and Emergency Cash Transfer , and the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa mga Pilipino   and rental subsidy and financial support of the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development.  

OCD Policy Development and Planning Services Director Jose Harry Barber, in his inspirational message, expressed his gratitude to the summit participants  as he highlighted that importance of having committed DRRM stakeholders in ensuring disaster resilient communities.

“I would like to congratulate everybody for deciding to participate in this summit  because not only will you gain if not new, additional knowledge in DRRM, but as well as by the end  of the day, this message that I give you will make you realize that the people beside you are   as equally important as the concepts that we are trying to work on. Let us all be resilient,” Barber said.

OCD CAR and CRDRRMC Chairperson   Albert Mogol  expressed gratitude to all the guests, plenary speakers and participants for joining the regional observance of NDRM 2023,  which serves as a reminder to all   DRRM stakeholders of  the collective responsibility to build a resilient community that can withstand and recover from the adverse impacts of disasters.

“The Cordillera, with its unique geographical characteristics and cultural heritage, faces various natural hazards such as tropical cyclones, landslides, earthquakes and floods. Our region is known for its rich biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities. Hence,  it is crucial that we work together to protect and preserve our environment while ensuring the safety and well – being of our people.

“I commend the efforts and commitment of all those involved in DRRM in the Cordillera Administrative Region. Your dedication and resilience are invaluable in creating a safer and more sustainable future for our region. Together,let us continue to build a culture of resilience that will stand as a testament to our collective strength and determination,”  Mogol said. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)