BONTOC, Mountain Province – In a significant step towards enhancing disaster response capabilities, twenty-one individuals from the municipal government, Bontoc Municipal Fire Station, and the Department of Education have successfully completed the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) Training.
The four-day training program was organized by the municipal government through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) Office in collaboration with the Office of Civil Defense–Cordillera Administrative Region (OCD-CAR) and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The training commenced with two days of lectures covering the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and significance of RDANA. Participants were then divided into three teams where they engaged in simulated disaster scenarios. These exercises were designed to test their skills in conducting rapid damage assessments and formulating initial response strategies, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adherence to established protocols.
Simulation sites included the Diadem Hotel as an evacuation area, the residence of Vice Mayor Eusebio “Kabluyen,” and All Saints Mission School, which served as assessment sites. Participants collected critical data on damages and developed recommendations for response and recovery actions.
On the final day of training, teams presented their findings at Samoki Valley Inn, detailing their assessment methodologies and data collection techniques. Feedback from course facilitators and evaluators highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement, reinforcing the importance of accurate and timely damage assessments in disaster response.
MDRRM Officer Johanna Padaen commended the participants for their dedication and commitment to enhancing their disaster response capabilities. She expressed gratitude to the OCD-CAR for its ongoing support and acknowledged the active engagement of all participants throughout the training.
The training culminated in a celebratory program where certificates of completion were awarded, symbolizing the participants’ readiness to contribute to disaster response efforts in Bontoc and beyond.
The RDANA Training has significantly bolstered the municipality’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to disasters, ensuring that local responders are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to mitigate the impact of emergencies on the community. With this training, Bontoc is one step closer to a more resilient and disaster-ready future. By Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan
