BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Municipality of Bontoc is one of the only four Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) that was given a rating of Beyond Compliant (Excellence) in this year’s Regional Assessment of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Office (LDRRMCOs).
The recognition given to LDRRMCOs was initiated by the Cordillera Regional Development Council (CDRRMC) and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) – CAR.
The other awardees in CAR with ratings of Beyond Compliant are Mountain Province, the Municipality of La Trinidad in Benguet Province, and the Municipality of Bucay in Abra.
Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey who is the Chairperson of MDRRMC was joined by MDDRM Officer Johanna Padaen, Sangguniang Bayan member and Committee on Health Chairperson Jerome Tudlong, Jr., LDRRMO I Meilynne Shalom Ayan, Municipal Tourism Officer Caren Guinayen and staff from the Information Office during the Virtual Recognition Program on December 15, 2021.
Odsey expressed his gratitude to everyone and attributed the award to the collective and collaborative effort of the workforce of the Bontoc LGU, partner national government agencies and stakeholders, and the community.
Also, the mayor highlighted the strong support from all stakeholders, the innate spirit of volunteerism, and Og-ogfo (Bayanihan). He said that these values amplify the resilience and unity of the Bontoc community.
“We are elated that despite the municipality’s meager resources, we were able to accomplish our DRRM programs, projects, and activities because of the trust and all-out support that you give to the present administration. We have been united as one community in achieving what is best for our Bontoc ay Kalalaychan,” he added.
MDRRM Officer Johanna Padaen joined Mayor Odsey in extending her gratitude to everyone adding that the recognition attests to the sincerity of the government in serving the community.
“This award is for all of us. The MDRRM Office cannot claim full credit for passing the assessment and deliberation. This success is due to the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, Padaen mentioned.
OCD-CAR Regional Director and CDRRMC Chairperson Albert Mogul recognized the efforts of all LDRRMCOs for all their hard work and for continuously working with the OCD in the management of hazards, crises, and emergencies to prevent them from becoming disasters.
“Passing the LDRRMCOs assessment should not be our ultimate objective. Everyone must continually work to enhance preparedness and resiliency with our respective community, “he said.
Mogul added that it is through the concerted efforts that we could be readily prepared and capable of addressing and responding to greater disasters.
In his message, NDRRMC Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator, Under Secretary Ricardo Jalad recognized the remarkable contributions and commitments of all LDRRMCOs in building disaster resilience communities in the Cordillera region.
“The DRRM and the struggle for resilience is everyone’s concern.
Addressing the demands of the DRRM is best under multi-sector cooperation. The effort of one must complement the effort of others. It is by these ways that we continue creating and strengthening the partnerships as well as building a safer and resilient community,” Jalad remarked.
He expressed optimism that the assessment is a motivation and inspiration for the LDRRMCOs to continuously strive to implement DRRM programs and safeguard the wellbeing of the community.
“May you be able to sustain your wins and maximize all opportunities to further improve your DRRMC systems and provide better services to your constituents, Jalad emphasized.
Likewise, the official commended the frontliners for their hard work and recognized the all-out support of the private sector in the fight against COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the assessment tool kit used by the Regional Validation Committee (RVC) focuses on Structure, Competency, Management System, Enabling Policies, Knowledge Management and Advocacy, and Partnership and Participation.
MDRRM Officer Padaen was able to present all the documents and respond to the queries of the members of the RVC during the assessment and deliberation in June 2021.
By Alpine L. Killa
