BALER, Aurora — The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, through the Office of Civil Defense-3 (OCD-3), has conducted training that aims to increase the involvement of women in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) efforts.
OCD Regional Director Marlou Salazar, said the three-day community-based DRRM training for women, which concluded on Wednesday is a continuing effort in providing knowledge and strengthening the capacities of the vulnerable groups in times of calamities.
Salazar said the move aims to increase the awareness of women and the general public on the importance of community-based disaster risk reduction and management and to promote the significance of disaster resilience.
At least five representatives from each of the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales and five other participants from the cities of Angeles and Olongapo attended the three-day activity.
Aurora Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Elson Amado A. Egargue said the representatives of the province included Christina dela Cruz, PDRRMO research and planning chief, who served as one of the pool instructors in the three-day training.
Others were Catherine V. Bernardino, Regine R. de Guzman, Brigette M. Espina, Ronalyn A. Supat and Micaela Apple Eve G. Valdez.
Egargue also said the provincial government of Aurora, through acting Governor Rommel Rico T. Angara, is very supportive of the plans and programs with regards disaster risk reduction and management.
“He (Angara) has the political will to create a pro-active mode of action and holistic approach in disaster preparedness and readiness of the people since the province is frequently experiencing the occurrence of natural disasters and calamities,” Egargue said.
According to him, the provincial government of Aurora is strengthening the conduct of disaster-resilient activities covering the four thematic areas, namely disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response and disaster rehabilitation and recovery.
“Before a disaster strikes, it is important to inform affected residents to evacuate for their safety. The threats of disaster should be addressed and everyone should be educated to enhance their resiliency once a disaster strikes to avoid casualty and to protect our people,” he said.
Egargue pointed out that women can also perform the duties of men as responders in times of disaster.
“Women can also conduct first aid, basic life support, emergency response, and rescue operation, among others, to save lives,” he added. (Jason De Asis/PNA)
