CEBU CITY, THE PHILIPPINES – Marked the celebration of the International Day for Disaster Reduction, the Cebu Disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Network (CDiDRRN) launched a series of information caravan and roadshows in hazard-prone municipalities in the province of Cebu.
The first leg of the road-show was held in the municipality of San Remigio on October 13, 2016. The initiative was conducted in collaboration with A2D Project—Research Group for Alternatives to Development Inc. and the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO). San Remigio figured as one of the municipalities in rural Cebu with the most number of registered persons with disabilities. In addition, the municipality is also cited as vulnerable to natural hazards.
A2D Project’s initiative is part of the Philippine Community Resilience Programme established and funded by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB), a German relief and social-welfare organisation engaged in a wide range of social service provision in Germany and abroad. The purpose of this programme is to strengthen the resilience communities affected by typhoon Haiyan through inclusive disaster management programs.
Themed Live to tell: Raising Awareness, Reducing Mortality, the road show was participated by more than 200 delegates comprised of members of local disabled peoples’ organizations, academe, representatives of local government units and CDiDRR Network members.
Organized in collaboration with local governments of San Remigio and Dalaguete, the caravan successfully oriented the participants on how to respond with persons with disabilities in emergency situations. It also provided basic information on disability-inclusive approaches in emergency response. The event also created opportunity to review the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (RA10121) and provided concrete experiences in its implementation.
“We are very grateful for this event and looking forward for partnership with Cebu DiDRR network and hopefully we can collaborate to render our disaster management programs disability-inclusive “, said Ma. Gena B. Buenconsejo, Rehabilitation and Recovery Coordinator and consultant at the Municipality of Dalaguete.
“We have about forty persons with disabilities living in our barangay. In addition we have a sizeable population of older persons. We really appreciate this roadshow for it was a big help in providing guidance and preparing our people in case of any calamity that might happen in our communities. We were equipped with substantial knowledge and a great experience to share as we go home”, said Maria Neis, a resident of Barangay Argawanon, San Remigio, Cebu.
The roadshow and information caravan shall be conducted in several municipalities in the province of Cebu as part of the advocacy campaign of the Cebu DiDRR Network in collaboration with A2D Project and the Provincial Disaster Management Office. (Jose Luis Blanco (A2D)/edit: Rizma K.)
