Government strengthens grassroots disaster response through LGU, responder training
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Local government units (LGUs) of Agusan del Norte are strengthening disaster preparedness systems, improving emergency response time, and ensuring the safety of communities following the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (PDRRMC) meeting, chaired by Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, on the conduct of the Training of Pool of Evaluators.
The capability-building initiative reinforces the national government’s thrust for disaster-resilient communities under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., prioritizing proactive preparedness, community-based risk reduction, and stronger local response systems in line with Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
By developing a pool of trained evaluators and responders at the local level, LGUs are now better positioned to effectively assess disaster drills, identify operational gaps, standardize safety protocols, and enhance evacuation and response mechanisms, ensuring that contingency plans are practical, coordinated, and responsive when hazards occur.
An equipped responder, trained through standardized evaluation and simulation exercises, can expedite evidence-based decisions, reduce casualties, improve inter-agency coordination, and optimize the use of resources during emergencies, key outcomes that directly contribute to saving lives and protecting communities.
The activity, spearheaded by the Provincial Government through the PDRRMO in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense Caraga, on February 19 to 20, brought together 45 participants from the province’s 11 LGUs, members of the PDRRMC, and partner agencies.
Participants were equipped with technical competencies to evaluate multi-hazard drills and recommend improvements across earthquake, flood, and landslide preparedness programs. The training also strengthened LGU capacity to develop more effective Building Emergency Evacuation Plans (BEEP), enhance coordination systems, and reinforce public safety protocols in government offices, schools, and communities.
The program included sessions on earthquake preparedness, building watch exercises, and drill evaluation standards, culminating in a hands-on practicum and site assessment at the New Provincial Capitol in Cabadbaran City, where participants applied real-world evaluation tools and methodologies.
Marc Gil P. Calang, chief of the Capacity Building and Training Section and focal person for simulation and exercises of the Office of Civil Defense, emphasized the importance of capacitating LGUs with trained evaluators to ensure preparedness systems are regularly tested and improved.
“Preparedness at the local level determines how effectively communities respond when disasters occur. Through trained evaluators, LGUs can detect weaknesses early, refine protocols, and strengthen their disaster management systems before lives are at risk,” Calang said.
Lorna C. Bayer, chief of the Operations and Warning Division of the PDRRMO, emphasized that disaster readiness is a continuing process anchored on evaluation and improvement.
“Earthquakes strike without warning. We cannot predict them, but we can prepare for them. When LGUs evaluate drills effectively, they identify gaps, improve systems, and ultimately protect lives,” Bayer said.
As chairperson of the PDRRMC, Governor Amante reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening local disaster response systems through sustained capability-building.
“Preparedness begins at the local level. When our LGUs and responders are equipped with the right skills and tools, we ensure faster response, better coordination, and more lives saved. This training strengthens our collective capacity to protect every Agusanon,” Amante said.
Voltaire Israel Zuleta, operations in charge of MDRRMO Tubay, shared that the training enhanced his capacity as responder, evaluator, and future resource speaker on disaster preparedness, enabling him to better support DRRM initiatives in his municipality.
Through strengthened local capacities, standardized evaluation systems, and sustained capability-building aligned with national DRRM frameworks, the Province of Agusan del Norte continues to advance a culture of preparedness, ensuring communities are ready, responsive, and resilient in times of disaster.
“Today, we strengthen LGU readiness. Tomorrow, we will save lives,” Governor Amante said. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)