NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) – Americares Philippines handed over various disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) tools and equipment worth P127,308.60 to the Municipality of Caibiran on January 11.

The DRRM tools and equipment consist of two megaphones, one portable speaker with a microphone, seven corrugated boxes, 10 hard hats, 10 rain boots, one 10-inch fire alarm (bell-type), five emergency lights, 10 solar LED flashlights, and 10 raincoats.

Also included among the items are two emergency spine boards, 150 whistles, six fire exit signs, four fire blankets (1m x 1m), two cervical collars (adult and pediatric set), one ambu bag, one minor surgery kit, two nebulizers, one battery-operated compressor nebulizer, two spider straps, one cathedral shelter tent (3m x 4.5m), two head immobilizers, one pediatric ambu bag, three blankets, 15 tourniquets, and nine ABC-dry chemical fire extinguishers (10 pounds).

Paul Gwyn Pagaran, the country director of Americares Philippines, mentioned that the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) tools and equipment fall under Level 1 of the Disaster and Climate Resilience Program of Americares Philippines. Level 1 also includes the provision of DRRM-related training. Americares Philippines has identified disaster-prone areas, aside from Caibiran, Naval Town is also a recipient at Level 2.

“The equipment is composed of response tools, like a spine board, utilized in response if there is an accident or if there are people who will be rescued. We also have protective gear, which is intended for responders or rescuers. They also need to be protected while responding to emergencies, so we have hard hats, raincoats, fire suppression, and firefighting equipment, which are required for a facility to be resilient to disasters and emergencies,” he emphasized.

Pagaran emphasized that the DRRM program includes training and Level 1 tools and equipment for disaster and climate resilience. He also announced that each barangay in Caibiran will receive one first aid kit from the town's rural health unit.

He also expects that these tools and equipment will be utilized in simulation exercises during the culmination of activities for the year. He wanted to see the equipment being used with trained personnel applying their knowledge and skills in a simulated disaster event.

Meanwhile, Caibiran Mayor Rhodessa Delante-Revita expressed her profound gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Americares Philippines and other LGU personnel involved in the successful undertaking, saying the activity marked a significant moment in pursuing disaster resilience.

Revita emphasized that the generous donation of essential equipment is a testament to the unwavering support and solidarity that have helped strengthen the town's risk reduction initiatives, adding that this donation aligns seamlessly with the commitment to safeguarding the community against the perils of unforeseen calamities.

“As we accept this equipment, let us not only acknowledge the significance of the moment but also recommit ourselves to the cause of disaster risk reduction. Together, let us harness these tools to build a more resilient community,” Revita said. (MMP/RSV/PIA Biliran)