MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA)--With the mission to build a disaster-prepared community through disaster-prepared local government units (LGUs), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10, through the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC), organized a Community-based Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM) Course—training for trainers for Misamis Occidental.

The goal of the activity was to improve and come up with new ways for LGUs to reduce the risk of disasters. The four-day training included module walk-throughs, in-depth discussions, and question-and-answer sessions. LGUs were asked to share the training with their barangays.

Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) Division Chief Hazel L. Occeña said the activity served as the general preparedness that the department is looking at and advancing into, further highlighting the role of DILG in disaster preparedness.

"As the responsible agency for disaster preparedness, we see to it that the LGUs down to the barangays are prepared for any disaster events. Hence, we developed various guidelines, such as preparing and creating various organizations, ensuring the availability of equipment and facilities, and establishing connections with the private sector and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)," she said.

Moreover, Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) V Jab Paler said the activity through CBDRMM would help ensure that the communities are organized and systematic in the implementation of disaster risk reduction and climate change.

"It is our duty as we gather here today as trainers sa atong mga barangay puhon (to our barangays soon) to equip them ug mag pahibalo sa ilaha kung unsa ilang angay buhaton (and to inform them on what to do) and also guide them," said Paler.

Capping off the activity, LGUs are introduced with the CBDRRM template and inculcated with a CBDRRM mindset, as per applying the learnings gained and challenges faced by local officials and functionaries in facilitating involvement in disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation and mitigation (DRRM-CCAM).

The DILG province DRR focal and alternate person, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer and staff, the Local Youth Development Officer, and the Municipal Local Government Operations Officers from the LGUs of Misamis Occidental, such as Aloran, Jimenez, Baliangao, Clarin, Oroquieta City, Sinacaban, and Tudela, all took part in this activity. (DILG-10/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)