In the latest episode of ASCOT ‘To! “Disaster Ready 101: Huwag Mag-Panic, Mag Plan!” ASCOT welcomed guests Engr. Elson Eguargue, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer (PDRRMO) from the Provincial Government of Auroa , and Hector Dela Torre, Jr., Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer (MDRRMO) of Baler. Joining them was the program host and the new ASCOT DRRMO Director, Diana Rose P. de Mesa-Amazona, who shared essential steps for disaster prevention and preparedness.The episode began with a review of recent activities at ASCOT. The hosts celebrated ASCOT’s victory in the Philippine Quality Awards and highlighted the successful completion of the Bridging Program at the School of Engineering. They also mentioned the recent 38th Commencement Exercises and announced that college enrollment is currently ongoing.
The second segment featured an in-depth discussion with the guests about their roles as leaders of their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Offices. “Ang aning mga tungkulin at gampanin ay kinabibilangan ng pagpaplano , pag-implement, pag-monitor, pag-evaluate ng mga programang may kinalaman sa pagbawas at mapanganib na pinsala dulot ng kalamidad” Engr. Egargue said. While, Mr. Dela Torre said “Napaka crucial ng aming role na ginagampanan para lamang ma-ensure ang safety and resilience ng isang munisipyo pagdating sa disaster. Pinaghahandaan natin ang pagdating nga mga disasters para walang mapahamak na buhay at kabuhayan.”
Engr. Eguargue and Mr. Dela Torre emphasized the importance of community and individual preparedness before, during, and after disasters. They provided valuable insights into the strategies and actions necessary to ensure safety and resilience. “Pagdating sa resilience, ibig sabihin ay iyong adaptability, madali tayong maka-adapt kung ano ‘yung present situation natin” Mr. Dela Torre emphasized.”
Our DRRMOs also shared the four areas of disaster management. Mr. Dela Torre mentioned “Ang disaster management ay nahahati sa apat na thematic areas: Prevention and Mitigation (collaboration with stakeholders), Preparedness (pagbibigay ng training and seminars), Response (right after the calamity kailangan may aksyon na ginagawa po ang ating pamahalaan), last is Rehabilitation, ano yung mga gagawin natin right after the aftermath of the disaster.”
The discussion also shed light on the various challenges their offices face in implementing disaster management programs. Some of the key challenges includes: Community engagement which is essential for addressing local needs and priorities. Limited data availability at the barangay level make risk assessment and planning difficult. Resource constraints also hinder efficient operations, necessitating creative solutions to maximize limited resources. Additionally, communities must proactively address the evolving impacts of climate change to build resilience and ensure sustainable development.
Despite these challenges, our DRRMOs remain optimistic that our province and the town of Baler can effectively manage the impact of disasters. This stems from the training given to their staff and capacity-building efforts provided to our barangays. Engr. Egargue also mentioned that people are now more aware and proactive compared to before. Mr. Dela Torre saying, “Ang unang pinapalakas natin pagdating sa disaster ay iyong ating komunidad o ‘yung barangay natin. Sila ang first line of defense natin. Sila yung dapat na i-capacitate at palakasin natin.” While, Engr. Egargue mentioned, “Natutuwa ako ngayon dahil pro-active na ang ating mga mamamayan. Hindi kagaya noong mga nakaraan na tuturuan mo pa sila. Ngayon po, limited na yung forced evacuation, kapag sinabi na ng mga barangay official sumusunod na sila.”
Before the conclusion of the program the guests explained the essential qualities that a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (DRRMO) should possess. Engr. Egargue mentioned, “Ang isang DRRMO ay dapat epektibo na maisagawa ang kanyang mga tungkulin. Unang-una kailagangang may kaalaman sa kasanayan. Pangalawa yung personal na katangian. Pangatlo, ‘yung kanyang mga gampanin ay kailangan maaksyunan agad, magampanan ang mga sinumpaang tungkulin at maprotektahan ang mga mamamayan.” While Mr. Dela Torre emphasized, “Ang isang DRRMO ay dapat decisive, ‘yung mga desisyon dapat madaling mabalanse kung kailangan na ito o hindi pa. Mabilis magdecide na wala kang nilalabag na batas, wala kang masasaktan na tao. Pangalawa ay yung pagiging inspirational capable na mag-motivate, at higit sa lahat adaptive tayo.”
Overall, Episode 82 of “Disaster Ready 101” provided viewers with valuable knowledge on disaster preparedness and highlighted the crucial roles of DRRMOs in safeguarding communities. Viewers are encouraged to stay informed and proactive in disaster readiness to mitigate the risks and impacts of future calamities.
For those who missed the live broadcast, the episode is available on ASCOT’s official Facebook page.
ASCOT ‘To! airs every other Thursday, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. on 92.1RTV Baler.
Written by: Patrick Sotero