In a significant move to bolster disaster preparedness, over 1,800 village officials and volunteers from Regions 1, 2, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) have been certified as trainers in disaster risk reduction and management. The certification ceremony, held at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, marked the culmination of a rigorous five-day training program aimed at equipping local leaders with essential skills to manage and respond to natural calamities effectively.
Jojo Cumlat, a village councilor from Vintar town in Ilocos Norte, shared his experience of the training, describing it as the most challenging he has undertaken. The program, which included lessons on rescue operations, first aid, and typhoon and earthquake response, was organized by the Office of Civil Defense and the Office of the Presidential Assistant Secretary for Northern Luzon. Cumlat expressed gratitude for the knowledge and skills imparted, which he believes will be crucial in saving lives during disasters.
Kristofferson Monis, another participant from Narvacan town in Ilocos Sur, emphasized the importance of knowing what to do before, during, and after a disaster. Similarly, Mirna Ganimtore from Sanchez Mira town in Cagayan province highlighted how the training expanded her understanding of disaster management’s four key areas: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and early recovery, and recovery and rehabilitation.
Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela Remigio praised the initiative, noting its potential to create a multiplier effect in community empowerment. By training local leaders, the program aims to address the shortage of responders during disasters, not only at the village and municipal levels but across the nation.
Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno of the Office of Civil Defense expressed hope that the Agent for Risk Damage Management (AGRIDAM) project would be institutionalized nationwide, enhancing community resilience and facilitating immediate action in times of crisis.