BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera office of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD-CAR) Wednesday launched its month-long activities lined up for the celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month in the region.
Andrew Alex Uy, OCD-CAR regional director, said the agency, together with the different local government units and concerned government agencies, will conduct the necessary earthquake evaluation drills and lectures on earthquake safety and preparedness in identified areas in order to instil awareness to the public on the importance of the appropriate emergency steps to be undertaken during the onslaught of natural calamities.
Aside from the month-long radio broadcast of appropriate safety tips in relation to the national disaster month celebration, the OCD-CAR will also place print publication of information and education campaign on disaster risk reduction and management in relation with the celebration.
The OCD-Car also opened a photography contest in relation with the celebration’s theme in order to develop the awareness of the public to DRRM interventions through the use of photographs among others.
On July 7-9, members of the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) and civil society organization representatives will undergo a rapid damage assessment and needs analysis in order to equip them with the appropriate knowledge and skills on how to come out with effective and efficient damage assessment in certain areas during the onslaught of natural calamities.
On July 13, representatives of non-government organizations will undergo an orientation on disaster risk reduction and management and mass casualty incidents that will equip them to be able supporters of the government in DRRM.
On July 17, there will be a pre-orientation of rescue march participants at the Baguio Convention Center which will be followed by the so-called rescue march entitled “Cordillera Challenge” on July 18.
On July 21-28, the OCD-CAR will be sponsoring the conduct of the week-long Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue Training Course at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in order to empower more volunteers to be able to respond to critical situations that may occur in the region when disaster strikes anytime.
The OCD-CAR will also be spearheading the conduct of a three-day community-based disaster risk reduction and management training on July 22-24 while the Cordillera will be participating to the nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill on July 23.
On July 27-31, the OCD-CAR will also be spearheading the five-day post disaster needs assessment training which will be participated in by various rescuers regionwide and the celebration will culminate with the regular CDRRMC meeting and awarding of the winners of the photography contest and the citation of the Gawad KALASAG winners.
By Dexter A. See
