By Gio J. Tanudtanud
THE AYALA Foundation conducted the two-day “Maging Handa Upskilling Disaster Responders” program at Sedes Sapientiae Auditorium in HCDC on Mar 19-20.
The program aims to equip participants with skills and training in response to the “Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028: Accelerate Climate Action & Strengthen Disaster Resilience and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.”
The program began at 9 am with opening speeches by the guest speakers: Celerina Asuncion R. Amores, Br. Noelvic H. Deloria, SC, Ret. Col. Alfredo D. Baloran, Harvey James Lanticse, Hon. Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, Dir. Ednar G. Dayanghirang, and Dr. Ted Esguerra.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s message was read by Councilor Temujin Ocampo. In his message, the lawmaker quoted the chief executive as saying, “Together let us strengthen our efforts and capacity to foster a sense of security and build a safer, more resilient community.”
Ednar Dayanghirang, OCD XI regional director, said the country’s biggest challenge is enforcing the four pillars: Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and finally, Rehabilitation.
“In attaining disaster resilience, the law also provides that disaster resilience cannot be attained without understanding the pillars,” he said.
The topics discussed in the programs are Earthquake Response and Basic Trauma Management with Dr. Ted Esguerra, Founder and Instructor, of Wilderness Search and Rescue Philippines, as the speaker in discussing how to respond and act during earthquakes, and the responsibilities of a rescuer.
