Agusan Norte strengthens livelihood resilience through basic animal rescue training
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) —“Protecting lives also means protecting livelihoods,” said Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Officer Erma Suyo as Agusan del Norte continues to strengthen its disaster preparedness programs.
Recognizing the vital role of livestock and farm animals in ensuring food security and sustaining household income, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, through the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVET), in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, conducted a basic animal rescue training (BART) in Barangay Mat-i, Las Nieves. The initiative was supported by the office of the PDRRM.
Suyo said, by initiating the BART, Agusan del Norte is pioneering a holistic approach to disaster preparedness, one that looks beyond immediate human survival and acknowledges the critical role of animals in rebuilding lives and sustaining communities
The training brought together participants from various municipalities across the province, equipping them with practical knowledge and skills to safeguard animals during disasters, particularly floods that frequently affect farming communities. Beyond technical rescue, the training emphasized preparedness, pre-emptive evacuation, and community-based strategies that protect both people and their sources of livelihood.
“PVET has been at the forefront of advocating for animal welfare not only in normal times, but especially during emergencies where animals are often left behind,” Doctor Belen Aruelo, PVET chief, said.
“By capacitating local responders and community members on livestock handling, early evacuation, and rescue protocols, the office ensures that disaster preparedness also includes the protection of livelihoods and food security,” she emphasized.
Doctor Aruelo further stressed that saving animals during emergencies is more than an act of compassion; it is a development strategy for resilience and recovery. “Every animal rescued means a family’s livelihood is protected, their access to food is secured, and their recovery after calamities becomes less difficult.”
As part of the two-day program, participants attended a lecture on livestock rescue and handling, followed by a hands-on simulation exercise where they applied proper techniques in rescuing large animals. The activity was facilitated by Rayven Lerion, service representative for Disaster Management Services of the Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte–Butuan City Chapter.
“Through this training, we are equipping our responders and community members with the right knowledge on early action, proper protocols, and the safe evacuation of livestock,” Lerion said. “It is equally important to empower communities to establish proper facilities, such as fencing and designated safe areas, and to identify responsible individuals who can ensure animal safety during disasters.”
For the municipality of Las Nieves, where flooding poses recurring risks, the training was especially relevant. “This training is very timely. By learning how to properly rescue and manage animals during disasters, we are not only saving lives but also protecting the livelihoods of our people who depend on these animals for their daily survival,” said Jover Manliguez, MDRRM officer of Las Nieves.
For farming households, animals are indispensable: carabaos help plow fields, poultry and pigs provide food and income, while goats and cows contribute to both nutrition and household earnings. Losing them during disasters disrupts not only family income but also the province’s food supply chain.
As Manliguez emphasized, “By saving our animals, we are also securing the future of our farmers and the food on our tables.” (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
