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About O C D

Preparing the People for a Safer Nation

The Office of Civil Defense as the primary government agency tasked with administering the country’s d isaster r isk reduct ion and management program, leads in the con t i nuous deve lopmen t o f s t ra teg ies , approaches and measures to reduce vulnerabilities and risks to hazards and manage consequences of disasters. The country’s tragic experience with Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, prodded the government to engage into a deeper study of the underlying social, economic and environmental conditions that contribute to the detrimental impacts of natural hazards. The lessons learned were used to effect changes in strategies and approaches, and placed systems that will make communities more resilient. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council institutionalized the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) and its actions,

ON COVER. On front cover are the satellite image of Typhoon Ruby as it nears the country, and the disaster management meetings in preparation for the tropical cyclone. On the back cover are photos on the four thematic areas of disaster risk reduction and management: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery.

INSIDE

DND Anniversary page 5

Yolanda Book Launched page 6

Yolanda Commemoration

page 7

NDRRMC-OCD’s Observance of IDDR, ADDM

page 8

Earthquake Drill page 9

Civil Defense Across the Nation

pages 10 - 13

Local DRRM page 16-17

Gender and Development

page 18

Public-Private Partnership

page 18

Awareness and Preparedness

page 19

protocols and programs to evaluate an impending hazard’s level of risk given the degree of exposure and vulnerability in a specific area. It presents the possible impacts to the people and serves as the basis in determining the appropriate preparedness and response actions from the national agencies down to the local government units. The evidence-based information from the PDRA, gathered before Typhoon Ruby entered the country, was used as the basis for the massive preparat ion and pre-empt ive evacuation of more than 1.7 million people from danger zones, which resulted to minimal casualties. This event earned the Philippines praises from the international community. Making the people understand the true nature of risks they are facing prompt them to follow them to follow the government’s lead. People’s participation is needed to truly build a resilient and safer nation.

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National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Government Evacuates Thousands from Typhoon Ruby’s Path

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) directed the evacuation of almost two million people in the path of Typhoon Ruby (International Name: Hagupit), which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on 4 December 2014, packing maximum sustained winds of 175 KPH and gustiness of up to 210 KPH, and moving at 25 KPH. It is expected to hit areas that were previously affected by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment On 3 December, NDRRMC Executive Director and OCD Administrator Undersecretary Alexander P. Pama convened a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) Meeting. PDRA is the process of evaluating a given hazard’s characteristics and its possible impacts to the populace, and as such determine the appropriate level of response and corresponding actions from concerned agencies, local government and other stakeholders. The OCD Regional Offices and Regional DRRM Councils (RDRRMCs) also convened PDRA Meetings to assess the impact of the typhoon in their respective areas. The National and Regional DRRM Operations Centers were also put on heightened alert as the monitoring, information

dissemination and coordination activities started. Zero Casualty Objective President Benigno S. Aquino III, on 4 December, met with Cabinet officials and government disaster managers to check and direct the governments preparations for the typhoon. The President reiterated the government’s zero casualty objective, and also directed the agencies to complete all preparations such as evacuating

people, putting up emergency facilities as well as prepositioning relief, before the typhoon makes its landfall. Present during the Thursday meeting are NDRRMC Chair and National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas III, Science and Technology Secretary Mario S. Montejo, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman, Public Works Secretary Rogelio

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III presides a meeting held on 4 December 2015 at the NDRRMC Conference Room in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, to check and direct government preparations for Typhoon Ruby. (International Name: Hagupit). (OCD PAO)

OCD VI Regional Director Rosario Cabrera presides the conduct of Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment to gauge the possible impact of Typhoon Ruby in the area and plan the needed actions to achieve zero casualty. (OCD VI)

Workers board up the windows of the OCD V Regional Office and Operations Center in Legazpi City in preparation for the expected severe weather conditions that will be brought by Typhoon Ruby. (OCD V)

NDRRMC Preparedness Vice Chair and DILG Secretary Mar Roxas points out the areas that will be affected by Typhoon Ruby based on the storm track and other information provided by PAGASA. (OCD PAO)

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Singson, Acting Health Secretary Janette Garin, Transportation and Communications Secretary Jun Abaya, Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma and Metro Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino. Extensive Preparation The preparations and coordination with the local government units was supervised by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) oversaw the readiness of response teams and prepositioning of relief goods and equipment. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response units were also put into heightened alert. In Bicol Region, Albay Governor Joey Salceda and OCD V Regional Director Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV led the mustering of responders in preparation for Typhoon Ruby which is expected to affect the area. Pre-emptive Evacuation As the typhoon nears the country, the government science agencies, namely Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), National

Mapping Resource Information Authory (NAMRIA) and the Project NOAH Team identified through risk and hazard maps, the areas with threats of flood, landslide, lahar flow and storm surge. On 5 December, the government started evacuating people from the danger zones in the Eastern Visayas Region, the area that will be affected by Typhoon Ruby first. By afternoon of 10 December, a total of 1.76 million individuals were being served by DSWD in and outside of evacuation centers. The typhoon exited the PAR by evening. Aftermath The Team Caraga, led by Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr . , c o m p o s e d o f O C D - R D R R M C CARAGA, Province of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, deployed and provided humanitarian assistance and

logistical support in areas affected in Eastern Visayas. The team stayed in the area from 9 - 13 December. In Eastern Samar, OCD CAR personnel conducted Post-Disaster Needs Assessment to facilitate rehabilitation and recovery programs in the aftermath of Typhoon Ruby. At the final report released by NDRRMC, Typhoon Ruby claimed the lives of 18 individuals and injured 916 others, with no missing person reported. The minimal loss was attributed to the evidence-based information from the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment that was used as basis for the massive preparations and extensive evacuation of people. This action of the government earned the country praises from the international community. (With reports from Renzie Ivan Costales, OCD V, OCD XI, OCD ARMM and OCD CARAGA)

Source: NDRRMC Reports

Albay Governor Joey Salceda and OCD V Regional Director Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV led the mustering of responders in preparation for Typhoon Ruby which is expected to affect the Bicol Region. (OCD V)

Members of Team Caraga help in dismantling damaged structures in Eastern Visayas as part of its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response outreach to areas affected by Typhoon Ruby. (OCD CARAGA)

OCD CAR personnel confer with a local official in Eastern Samar during the conduct of Post-Disaster Needs Assessment to facilitate rehabilitation and recovery programs in the aftermath of Typhoon Ruby. (OCD CAR)

215 KPH Maximum Winds 250 KPH Gustiness

18 Dead 916 Injured 0 Missing

1.76 Million

Individuals Evacuated Pre-emptively

Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) in Figures

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The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) joined the celebration of 75th Anniversary of the Department of National Defense (DND) on November 2014 with the theme “Kagawaran ng Tanggulang Pambansa: 75 Taong Sandigan ng Mamamayan, Tapat na Naglilingkod sa Bayan”. On 10 November, OCD IV-A Regional Director Vicente T. Tomazar and Roy L. Dorado of OCD XII were honored as DND Model Supervisor and DND Model Employee respectively, during ceremonies presided by DND Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin. Also honored in the Recognition Day are model supervisors and employees from the DND Proper and other bureaus of the department. OCD participated in the DND Anniversary Job Fair on 16 November 2014 at the Armed Forces of the P h i l i p p i n e s ( A F P ) G e n e r a l Headquarters Canopy. More than sixty vacancies in the agency were offered and OCD personnel received and p r o c e s s e d t h e h u n d r e d s o f applications. OCD also featured its achievements, programs and projects during the DND Anniversary Exhibit held at the AFP Grounds on 16 - 17 November. NDRRMC Member Agencies also

participated in the exhibit, and featured their activities and programs related to the thematic areas of Disaster P r e v e n t i o n a n d M i t i g a t i o n , Preparedness, Response, and Rehabilitation and Recovery. The NDRRMC is Chaired by the Secretary of National Defense. On 17 November, President Benigno S. Aquino III visited the exhibit which

DND Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin poses with Model Supervisor awardees which includes OCD IV-A Regional Director Vicente T. Tomazar during the Department’s Recognition Day on 10 November 2014. (OCD PAO)

An applicant views the published OCD job openings during the DND Job Fair held at The AFP Canopy on 16 November 2014 in celebration of the D ep a r t men t ’ s 7 5 t h F ou nd i ng Anniversary. (OCD PAO)

OCD and NDRRMC fea tured information materials of disaster risk reduction and management activities, and programs during the DND Exhibit on 16-17 November 2015 at the GHQ Parade Grounds. (OCD PAO)

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

NDRRMC, OCD Join DND’s Anniversary Celebration

also featured the equipment and capability of the Armed Forces. From the exhibit, the Chief Executive, with other Cabinet officials and DND executives proceeded to the AFP Theatre for the anniversary program, during which President Aquino lauded the achievements of the Department and its bureaus, including the AFP Modernization Program. (NHM)

President Benigno S. Aquino III views the hazard maps displayed at the OCD booth during the DND Anniversary Exhibit on 17 November 2015 at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Parade Grounds, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. (OCD PAO)

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A year after Super Typhoon Yolanda struck, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) launched the book “Y It Happened” on 11 November 2014 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Pasig City. The launching was graced by NDRRMC Chair and National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, NDRRMC Executive Director and OCD Adm in i s t r a t o r Un de r sec re ta r y Alexander P. Pama, and with officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which supported the publication of the book. The book contains stories of typhoon survivors, donors, humanitarian groups and responders, and the experiences, best practices and lessons learned by those who are involved in the preparations, response and relief efforts in areas struck by Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013. In his welcome message, Usec. Pama said the book is not a recount of Yolanda’s wrath, but it also contains important analyses of the actions done and is meant to assist in the formulation of effective answers to the

challenge of the times. In his message in the book’s preface, President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his hope that the book inspires its readers to participate meaningfully in the rehabilitation efforts.

“Our countrymen deserve the best that a cul ture of equi tabi l i ty and inclusiveness can offer. Let us work even harder to rebuild their homes and protect their families,” the Chief Executive further stated. (Noel H. Mapalo)

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

NDRRMC Launches Book on Typhoon Yolanda

OCD and the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (UN OCHA) conduct a Training of Trainers on Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination on 18-21 November 2014 at The Millenia Suites in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. The event aims to further strengthen the country’s structure in managing disasters and emergencies. (OCD PAO)

NDRRMC Chair and DND Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin receives a copy of Y It Happened: Learning From Typhoon Yolanda from NDRRMC Executive Director and OCD Administrator Alexander P. Pama during the launching of the book on 11 November 2014 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Pasig City. (Photo by DND PAS)

OCD and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conduct the Terminal Evaluation of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Capacity Enhancement Project (DRRM CEP) on 10 October 2014 at NDRRM Conference Room. The said project aims to strengthen OCD’s personnel and organizational capacities as the country’s lead DRRM agency. (OCD PAO)

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National Disaster Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

President Leads Activities Commemorating Typhoon Yolanda

A day before the anniversary of the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda, President Benigno S. Aquino III paid a visit to Guiuan, Eastern Samar to personally inspect the rehabilitation efforts being done in the municipality. His first stop was at the Guiuan Public Market that is being built through the Recovery Assistance for Yolanda of the Department of Interior and Local Government (RAY-DILG). It is expected to be finished in January next year. He then proceeded to Guiuan East Central School and assessed its newly-repaired classrooms. According to the official website of the Guiuan local government (guiuan-esamar.gov.ph), the extent of damages reported in the area where this school was situated was said to be up to 100%. After which, the President went to the Barangay Cogon Transitional Site to lead the turnover of a ‘bahay kubo’ temporary shelter to a family beneficiary and the awarding of certificates of occupancy. The site is a housing project for the affected residents initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the International Organization

for Migration (IOM) and the Guiuan local government. In his speech, the President cited a few of the relief and rehabilitation efforts done by the government and private sectors in all areas affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda. A total of 12.2 million family food packs were distributed from November 2013 to July 2014. Similarly, DSWD tallied 90, 226 Cash for Work Program

beneficiaries from November 2013 to September 2014. On the education side, 1,095 classrooms (out of the 2,313 target) are currently being constructed. DILG also spearheaded the building of 480 houses while more than 7,000 are under construction. Last year, the town was badly hit by Yolanda, which was dubbed as the strongest cyclone to make a landfall. (Source: www.rtvm.gov.ph)

President Benigno S. Aquino III is greeted by students during his inspection of the newly repaired classrooms of the Guiuan East Central School in Guiuan, Western Samar on 7 November 2014, during the eve of Typhoon Yolanda’s anniversary. (From the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines Facebook Page. Photo by Malacañang Photo Bureau.)

I was deployed in Tacloban City and went to devastated areas and hear stories from Yolanda survivors. My whole month of exposure helps me to be more aware of the present situation of our communities and how you can touch other lives in a simple way. Mc Adrian Nouve B. Cobero OCD XI Just seeing the extent of damages is enough to put you in low morale. But at the back of my mind, I know I have to work even harder for the sake of the people. Arlan Armenta OCD V Mixed emotions, it’s a combination of memorable and terrible experiences of being deployed for 56 days. Mary Ann Mendez OCD ARMM

When we were in Tacloban. We felt the fatigue, stress and starvation in the early days. What was hard for me was bearing the smell of corpses of fellow Filipinos while you are walking around. King Dumagun OCD V The aftermath of typhoon in its first days sunk into my memory that even after now I wish that I never saw it. But still amidst the hardship, I strongly strived to do my task as a disaster manager. John Grey OCD V It took several days before I was able to adjust to our life in Tacloban. I am happy that I learned how to adapt to the harsh conditions. Zyrus Reniel P. Reyes OCD Central Office

We are disaster managers. Disaster is our playing field. Let us take part in transforming a disastrous event to a life learning experience. Let us make a difference by showing unified and better Leadership. Andrew Alex H. Uy OCD CAR Regional Director I learned that proper coordination and teamwork delivers beneficial impact like the Donors Mission in Ormoc City during the aftermath of TY “Yolanda”. Hope and resiliency are in every Filipinos heart even after TY Yolanda. Guadaliva Panitio OCD CAR One difficulty I encountered is when people serve pork. Pork is forbidden to us. Zulaika Matuan Adza

Experiences and Insights from OCD Personnel Deployed to Yolanda Affected Areas

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National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

NDRRMC, OCD Lead International, ASEAN Day of Disaster Reduction and Management

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) led the observance of the International Day of Disaster Reduction (IDDR) and ASEAN Day of Disaster Management on 29 October 2014 at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club in Quezon City. Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Eduardo G. Batac, representing NDRRMC Chair and DND Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin welcomed the guests and attendees to the joint observance. This year’s focus of IDDR is on the elderly and the need to include them in disaster risk reduction initiatives. The observance seeks to recognize the critical role that older people can play in better planning and understanding disaster risk, and how they can help with building resilient communities through their exper ience and knowledge In her keynote speech, Guest of Honor Senator Loren Legarda cited statistics on how people aged 60 years and above, suffer disproportionately from disasters. “Seventy five percent (75%) of those killed by Hurricane Katrina in the

United States were over 60, but they comprise 15% of the population in New Orleans. During the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, 56% of those who died were 65 years old and above, but they comprise only 23% of the population”, Legarda said. NDRRMC Executive Director and OCD A d m i n i s t r a t o r U n d e r s e c r e t a r y

Alexander P. Pama during his closing message, gave assurance that the government and its partners in the civil society are approaching disaster risk reduction and management, and resilience-building that is inclusive of young people, elderly, persons-with-disabilities and other marginalized sectors. (Noel H. Mapalo)

Senator Loren Legarda delivers her keynote speech during the joint celebration of International Day for Disaster Reduction and ASEAN Day for Disaster Management on 29 October 2014 at Tejeros Hall in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. (OCD PAO)

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISASTER REDUCTION In 1989, United Nations designated the second Wednesday of October as International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction. The International Day was to be observed annually during the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, 1990-1999. The General Assembly resolution passed on 21 December 2009, the 13th of October is set as the date to commemorate the Day, and changed the Day's name to International Day for Disaster Reduction. The objective of the observance is to raise awareness on how people are taking action to reduce their risk to disasters. Source: www.un.org

ASEAN DAY OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT The ASEAN Ministers responsible for disaster management decided in December 2004 to celebrate the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management in conjunction with the International Day for Disaster Reduction. “Celebrating our ASEAN Day in conjunction with the International Day signifies our commitment that disaster risk reduction is increasingly becoming a major global concern that can only be effectively addressed by coordinated action at the national, regional and global level,” said H.E. Ong Keng Yong, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, in his message on the occasion of the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management 2006.

F a s t F a c t s o n I D D R a n d A D D M

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National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Quezon City Hosts Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chair and Department of National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin led the conduct of the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on 14 November 2014 at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. The city, led by Mayor Herbert M. Bautista, hosted ceremonial venue of the event. The drill used the possible scenarios that will result from a magnitude 7.2 quake generated by the West Valley Fault System as studied under the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMIERS) in 2004. The activity aims to test the capability of the national and local government in responding to emergency situations specifically in the management of the Incident Command System (ICS), evacuation of the affected populace, and the provision of relief. Government offices, schools, hospitals, and commercial establishments across the country also participated in earthquake drills held across the country as organized by the regional offices of Office of Civil Defense and their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils. In Ilocos Region, more than 23,000 individuals joined the exercise, while 46 schools and fourteen government agencies participated in Cagayan Valley.

The Municipality of San Mateo in Rizal and the Municipality of Mercedes in Camarines Norte served as the ceremonial venues for Calabarzon and Bicol regions respectively. A total of 37, 807 individuals from the provinces of Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental and Bohol participated in the drills held in Central Visayas. The City of Mandaue served as the ceremonial venue for the region. More than 250,000 individuals across Mindanao participated in the drill organized by OCD Regional Offices IX, X, XI, XII, and Caraga, in coordination

with other agencies and local government units. The OCD in Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) also organized drills in Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and Basilan. The organizers hoped that the nationwide exercise will not only test the government’s capabil ity in managing disasters and emergencies, but also generate awareness on hazards that threaten communities. (With reports from Ma. Criselda Abrajano, Titus Velez, Tashuana Alemania, OCD II, OCD IV-A, OCD V, OCD XI, OCD XII, OCD ARMM and OCD CARAGA.)

Students do the ‘duck, cover and hold’ technique during the earthquake drill held in Mandaue City Comprehensive Central School. (OCD VII)

Disaster responders attend to a ‘victim’ affected by toxic materials during the earthquake drill held in San Mateo, Rizal. (OCD IV-A)

Emergency medical personnel perform first aid to a ‘victim’ during the earthquake drill conducted in Western Visayas Region. (OCD VI)

NDRRMC Chair and National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin and host Quezon City Mayor Herbert M. Bautista lead national and local officials in pressing the alarm button to signify the start of the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill held on 14 November 2014. (OCD PAO)

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C I V I L D E F E N S E A CThe Civil Defense Across The Nation section is a collection of news stories on events and activities conducted by OCD Regional Offices.

RDRRMC – OCD I sets up the Oplan Undas 2014 Advance Command Post in San Juan, La Union. (OCD I)

OCD I

OCD I Convenes Year-End Meeting OCD I convened a Regional DRRM Council Meeting on 08 December 2014 at PSWD Complex, San Fernando City, La Union. The meeting highlights the presentation of the Council’s accomplishments for the year 2014. Regional Director Melchito M. Castro expressed his gratitude for the support of the Member Agencies and Local DRRM Council to the programs and projects of OCD. He also extended his appreciation for the close coordination provided by stakeholders especially during heightened alerts. Besides the Member Agencies, the Provincial DRRM Councils of Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte also attended the year-end meeting. (Ma. Criselda G. Abrajano)

OCD III Conducts ICS Trainings

OCD III Regional Director Josefina T. Timoteo led the conduct of Incident Command System (ICS) Integrated Planning Training Course for the thirty-five (35) Department Heads of the Municipality of Orion, Bataan on 6-10 October 2014. Meanwhile, a Basic Incident Command System (ICS) Training Course was also facilitated for the forty four (44) members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 Technical Working Group on Emergency

Preparedness (TWG EP) on 4-6 November 2014. The TWG EP will be deployed as a preparedness measure during the hosting of APEC 2015 Meetings in the region. (Doreen Sanchez)

OCD III Recognizes

Regional Kalasag Winners OCD III Regional Director Josefina T. Timoteo led the conferment of honors to the winners of the Regional Gawad Kalasag Awards on 14 November 2014 at the AmphiTheater in City of San Fernando, Pampanga. This year, eight winners were chosen among the contenders in different categories on excellence in disaster risk reduction and management, and humanitarian assistance. Aside from Local DRRM Councils, this year’s contenders also included schools, hospitals and civil society organizations. (Doreen Sanchez)

OCD I Leads Oplan Undas

Operations The Regional DRRM Council I, headed by OCD I, led the Oplan Undas operations on 31 October to 2 November 2014 as a preparedness measure on the observance of All Saint’s and All Soul’s Day. OCD I Director Melchito M. Castro convened the Regional Council as early as September to discuss the preparations to the expected high-density people’s gathering in cemeteries that may pose threats to the safety, security and health of both residents and guests. An Advanced Command Post was established in San Juan, La Union with personnel operating on a 24/7 basis for the duration of activation. The team was composed of personnel coming from different government agencies and volunteer groups. (Empress B. Jaramillo)

OCD III

OCD III Regional Director Josefina T. Timoteo speaks during ICS Training for Orion, Bataan LGU. (OCD III)

Mayor Irene Cuevas and the Palayan City Rescue Team pose for a souvenir photo after receiving their Plaque of Recognition during the Regional Gawad Kalasag Awards ceremonies on 14 November 2014, held in San Fernando, Pampanga. (OCD III)

OCD I Regional Director Melchito M. Castro answers a query during the Year-End Meeting in La Union. (OCD I)

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R O S S T H E N A T I O N

OCD VII

Calabarzon Holds Rehabilitation

and Recovery Summit OCD IV-A, led by Regional Director Vicente F. Tomazar, joined the Province of Quezon in the Rehabilitation and Recovery Summit on 30 September to 1 October 2014 at the Queen Margarette Hotel in Lucena City. Quezon Province Governor David C. Suarez and the members of the Quezon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council with the city and municipal mayors of the province gathered to consolidate the post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery plans and programs for areas affected by Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun) in July 2014. Governor Suarez emphasized the resolve of the provincial officials in seeing through the completion and effective implementation of its rehabilitation and recovery strategy. Director Tomazar in response affirmed the commitment of OCD and RDRRMC IV-A in supporting these recovery efforts. (OCD IV-A)

OCD VII, UNOCHA Partners for

Stronger CMC The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) and OCD VII, conducted a four-day course on Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination on 29 September to 2 October 2014. A total of 52 individuals coming from the military, civilian and humanitarian agencies participated in the activity held at Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu City.

OCD IV-A

Trainees participate in a workshop during the Humanitarian Civil - Military Coordination Course conducted by OCD VII and UN OCHA. (OCD VII)

The activity was facilitated by UNOCHA headed by Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination Officer Mr. Mel Schmidt who stressed that the activity aims to teach and share to the participants the humanitarian civil-military coordination mechanism in a United Nations perspective. Schmidt added that through the activity, the participants shall be able to familiarize themselves with concepts, processes and methodologies to enable them to work properly and effectively with or without the intervention of the United Nations. During the last day, the participants were given a “Cebu City Magnitude-8.0 Earthquake” scenario for the simulation exercise. (Tashuana Alemania)

OCD Extends Financial Assistance to Yolanda Victims

OCD VII distributed a total of PHP 260,000.00 as financial assistance to victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Northern Cebu. The twenty six beneficiaries of those who perished in the typhoon received assistance worth PHP 10,000.00 each at Camp Sergio Osmena Sr., Cebu City on 28 October 2014. More than seventy people died in the Province of Cebu during the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda on 8 November 2013, mostly in the northern of the province. Beneficiaries of victims who died and injured from disasters receive financial and other forms of assistance from the government. (Tashuana Alemania)

Quezon Governor David C. Suarez speaks during the Typhoon Glenda Rehabilitation and Recovery Summit. (OCD IV-A)

OCD personnel distribute financial assistance to the beneficiaries of Typhoon Yolanda victims in Cebu Province. (OCD VII)

OCD VI

CDA Pama Graces Regional Gawad Kalasag Award

NDRRMC Executive Director and OCD Administrator Undersecretary Alexander P. Pama personally graced the Regional Awarding Ceremony for

Gawad Kalasag winners from Western Visayas on 2 December 2014 at the RDC Hall, NEDA Building, Iloilo City. Placing first in their respective categories are Capiz Province, Bago City, Sibalom Municipality of Antique, Barangay Poblacion of Bago City and Barangay Pis-anan of Sibalom, Antique. (OCD VI)

Usec Alexander P. Pama delivers his keynote address during the Gawad Kalasag awarding for Western Visayas. (OCD VI)

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C I V I L D E F E N S E A C

OCD VIII Assists LGU in Crafting DRRM Plan

OCD VIII assisted the Municipality of Bobon, Northern Samar in the crafting of the local government unit’s Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan on 15 – 17 October 2014 at Haven of Fun in San Antonio, Northern Samar. The workshop was participated in by members of the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council), barangay leaders and other stakeholders. Discussed during the workshop were Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System (PDRRMS), Hyogo Framework for Action and the Lessons Learned from Typhoon Yolanda. After the presentations, OCD facilitated the crafting of the plan which aims to build safer and more resilient local communities. (OCD VIII)

OCD VIII Conducts Basic ICS in Prep

for Papal Visit OCD VIII conducted Basic Incident Command System (ICS) Training for frontline responders at Ormoc Villa Hotel, Ormoc City on 4 – 6 November 2014, in preparation for the scheduled visit of Pope Francis in January. The training was attended by representatives from Department of

Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Red Cross, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and other government agencies and volunteer groups who will be involved in the emergency preparedness aspects of the Papal Visit. Incident Command System as an on-scene disaster response mechanism will be used as a coordination tool to properly manage any possible eventualities that may arise during the Papal Visit. (OCD VIII)

A participant reads out her group’s output during the DRRM Plan formulat ion workshop for the Municipality of Bobon, Northern Samar. (OCD VIII)

OCD VIII Attends Information

Management Training OCD VIII personnel underwent training on Information Management on 18 – 21 November 2014 at the Ritz Tower de Leyte in Tacloban City. The training was organized through the support of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA). The training was also attended by representatives from Department of Social Welfare and Development, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Provincial Government of Leyte. The participants were oriented on how to process, manage and visualize data, and were also taught the basics of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and creation of infographics.

The activity aims to strengthen and equip the participants in the proper collection and management of information from one or more sources and the distribution of the information to one or more audience, thus providing efficient and effective coordination and decision-making during emergency response and preparedness activities. (OCD VIII)

OCD XI

OCD XI Facilitates HADR

Management Training OCD XI spearheaded the conduct of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Management Training at Apo View Hotel on 20 – 21 November 2014. The activity was participated by officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police. The two-day training aims to strengthen, enhance and provide basic knowledge and a clear understanding of the salient features of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System program based on Republic Act 10121 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and the National and Regional DRRM Plans. The training also discussed the newly adopted Philippine cluster system

Participants prepare their group outputdurign the conduct of Basic ICS Training for fromtline responders for the scheduled visit of Pope Francis in Eastern Visayas. (OCD VIII)

OCD VIII

OCD XI Regional Director Loreto S. Rirao addresses the participants during the last day of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Management Training in Davao City. (OCD XI)

13

R O S S T H E N A T I O N OCD ARMM

wherein a Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Cluster led by AFP was introduced. The Incident Command System integration into disaster management approach was also reviewed. (OCD XI)

OCD, UNOCHA Team Up for Operational Enhancement

OCD XI in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) conducted the Humanitarian Civil Military Coordination (HumCMCoord) Course for In-Country Actors at the Pinnacle Hotel, Davao City on 25 - 28 November 2014. The activity was attended by the Regional DRRM Council Member Agencies, including the key disaster response players Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection. The activity aimed to broaden the understanding of the participants about HumCMCoord concepts, principles and practical applications, viewed from in the Philippine disaster management context. The closing ceremony was graced by AFP Vice Chief of Staff LTGEN John F. Bonafos and AFP Eastern Mindanao Command chief, LTGEN Aurelio S. Baladad. OCD XI Regional Director Loreto G. Rirao expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the support and assistance extended during the duration of the activity. (OCD XI)

OCD ARMM and 6th ID PA Conducts

WaSAR Training OCD ARMM and the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division conducted Water Search and Rescue (WaSAR) Training for the Local DRRM Offices of Maguindanao Province at the 6th Division School on 27 – 31 2014. The training aims to strengthen the local government’s preparedness and ensure effective mobilization of resources for emergency response. The participants were trained on the proper conduct of water search and rescue operations. (OCD ARMM)

OCD CARAGA Trains

Medical First Responders OCD CARAGA spearheaded the conduct of Medical First Responder (MFR) Training of the City Government of Bislig, Surigao del Sur on 18 – 31 October 2014. A total of twenty seven (27) participants from the City DRRM Council and Barangay DRRM Committees, volunteer groups and OCD personnel participated in the extensive 18-day training program. The activity aims to provide participants with the needed skills and knowledge in giving immediate aid to sick and injured persons, stabilize their conditions and prepare them for transport to medical facilities. (OCD CARAGA)

OCD CARAGA

Participants prepare their group output during the Civil Military Coordination Course conducted by OCD and UN OCHA in Davao City. (OCD XI)

A trainer guides a participant during the Water Search and Rescue Training in Maguindanao. (OCD ARMM)

OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE REGIONAL OFFICES CONTACT NUMBERS

OCD I

(72) 607 6528, 7004747

OCD II (78) 304 1630 - 31

OCD III

(45) 455 0033, 455 1526

OCD IV-A (49) 536 7266, 536 7279

OCD IV-B

(43) 723 4248, 702 9631

OCD V (52) 742 1176, 481 5031

OCD VI

(33) 336 5301, 336 9353

OCD VII (32) 253 8730, 416 5026

OCD VIII

0917 855 3868

OCD IX (62) 991 6361, 991 3450

OCD X

(88) 857 3988, 857 3907

OCD XI (82) 233 0295, 233 0611

OCD XII

(83) 553 2994, 301 2994

OCD XIII (CARAGA) (85) 341 8629, 341 5015

OCD NCR

(02) 421 1918, 913 2786

OCD CAR (74) 304 2256, 421 1918

OCD ARMM

(064) 431 0001, 552 1536

OCD ARMM BASULTA (062) 983 0972

14

The Regional Offices of Office of Civil Defense (OCD), together with their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMC) conducted series of Cont ingency Plan Formulat ion Workshops and Training of Trainers during the last quarter of the year 2014. Contingency planning is defined by Republic Act 10121 as “specific potential events or emerging situations that might threaten society or the env i ronmen t and es tab l i shes arrangements in advance to enable timely, effective and appropriate responses to such events and situations”. Contingency Plans are necessary tools that local government units (LGUs) and other entities use to organize its preparedness and response actions. OCD assists LGUs in crafting these plans and to ensure that they comply to standards and LUZON On 27 - 29 October 2014, OCD I assisted Paoay, Ilocos Norte in formulating their Contingency Plan on Ear thquake . The Pangas inan municipalities of Tayug, Binalonan and Calasiao formulated their Flood Contingency Plans in November. Meanwhile, the municipalities of Tagudin and Alilem, both from Ilocos Sur, reviewed and updated their existing Flood Contingency Plan also in

November through a series of workshops conducted in Baguio City. Ms. Imelda M. Acosta, together with the OCD RO1 staff, served as the Resource Speaker and Facilitator in the said workshops. Regional Director Melchito M. Castro delivered his welcome remarks on all the events, stating the importance of Contingency Plans in the continuous efforts of the NDRRMC to provide a “safer, adaptive, and resilient Filipino communities”. In Central Luzon, OCD III conducted Contingency Planning to beef up the preparedness level of LGUs in the region.

Regional Director Josefina T. Timoteo s p e a r h e a d e d t h e t h r e e - d a y Cont ingency Planning Review Workshop of for the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga on October. Members of the Provincial Councils attended the planning workshop which aims to update plans. The municipalities of Casiguran and Dilasag of Aurora, and Subic and San Antonio of Zambales also finished their respective contingency plans through workshops held in October and November. In the Bicol Region, OCD V completed the conduct of Contingency Plan

Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management OCD, RDRRMC Conduct Contingency Plan

Formulation and Training Workshops

Contingency Plan Formulation Workshop for Municipalities of Maguindanao Province. (OCD ARMM)

Cont ingency Plan Formulat ion Workshop for City of Passi, Iloilo. (OCD VI)

Flood Contingency Planning Workshop for the Province of Lanao del Norte. (OCD X)

One of the Contingency Planning Workshops conducted in Ilocos Region. (OCD I)

15

responding to any emergency situation in their localities. OCD ARMM led the conduct of Contingency Planning Formulation Workshop for the municipalities of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces identified by Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Mindanao River Basin Technical Working Group, and approved by D e p a r t m e n t o f B u d g e t a n d Managemen t as t he p r i o r i t y municipalities for Contingency Planning Formulation Workshop. In Caraga, OCD provided technical assistance for the formulation of Contingency Plans for the provinces of Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Sur, and the municipalities of Carmen and Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte and Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur. The response mechanism of the plans is based on the Cluster System and Incident Command System (ICS). (Reports from Renzie Ivan Costales, Doreen Sanchez, Kornessa Paras, Titus Velez, OCD V, OCD XI,

Formulation Workshops for five LGUs, to boost their preparedness on flooding, storm surges and tsunamis. The workshop for the municipalities of Bato and Buhi was held on 4 - 6 November 2014 at the Coastal View Resort, Sto. Domingo, Albay. The two municipalities in Camarines Sur were ident i f ied by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau as flood prone areas. Workshops were also held on November for the municipality of Bacacay, and the cities of Legazpi and Tabaco, all in Albay. The workshops culminated with the turnover of draft plans to the mayors of the said LGUs. VISAYAS In Iloilo Province, OCD VI assisted the municipality of Concepcion, and the cities of Iloilo and Passi in formulating their respective Contingency Plans. In Eastern Visayas, OCD VIII spearheaded the Contingency Plan Formulation Workshop in preparation for the Papal Visit in January 2015. The activity was held at Patio Victorian, San Jose, Tacloban City. It was facil i tated by Dir. Blanche T. Gobenciong and Ms. Cherelyn V. Lubang. The workshop was attended by Department of Health, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Pol ice, Phi l ippine Red Cross, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Eastern Visayas Medical Center, Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Hospital and other agencies and volunteer groups who will be involved in the emergency preparedness aspect of the Pope’s visit in Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte.

MINDANAO OCD IX conducted five Contingency Plan related act ivi t ies in the Zamboanga Peninsula region on the last quarter of the year 2014. The Zamboanga del Sur municipalities of Josefina and Lakewood conducted formulation workshops in October while Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay held its activity on 5 - 7 October. On the other hand, the municipalities of Molave, Zamboanga del Sur and Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte reviewed and revised their plans on 19 - 21 November and 3 - 5 December. Plans focused on the following hazards: armed conflict, landslide, flooding and conflagration. In Northern Mindanao, OCD X spearheaded the conduc t o f Contingency Plan (CP) Training of Facilitators on 1 - 3 October 2014 at Apple Tree Resort, Opol, Misamis O r i e n t a l . M o r e t h a n f o r t y representatives from LGUs, RDRRMC Member Agencies and OCD personnel participated in the training which aims to ensure the availability of facilitators with appropriate skills and expertise on contingency planning. OCD X also provided assistance in the workshops conducted for LGUs in Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte. The Provincial DRRM Council of Compostela Valley, assisted by OCD XI conducted a three-day Contingency Plan Formulation for the municipalities of Mabini and Maco on 12 - 14 November 2014 at Apo View Hotel in Davao City. The activity aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the local government units in

Contingency Planning for the municipalities of Bato and Buhi, both of Camarines Sur. (OCD V)

Contingency Planning Workshop for Penablanca, Cagayan. (OCD II)

Contingency Plan Formulation workshop conducted in Zamboanga Region. (OCD IX)

Contingency Planning Workshop for municipalities of Mabini and Maco, Compostela Valley. (OCD XI)

16

Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management OCD, RDRRMCs Train Locals

on Use of Disaster Management Tools

Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) Briefing for RDANA Teams. (OCD III)

Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment Orientation Workshop for RDRRMC Members. (OCD XII)

Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) Training of Trainers in Caraga Region. (OCD CARAGA)

The OCD Regional Offices led their respective Regional DRRM Councils in conducting extensive trainings on the use of disaster management tools on the last quarter of the year 2014. The trainings on Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA), Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) and Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) were conducted to strengthen the regional and local government units level of proficiency in utilizing the tools for managing disasters. Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment OCD XII conducted a PDRA Orientation-Workshop for selected Regional DRRM Council Members and Provincial and City DRRMCs of the region on 10 October 2014 at Sun City Suites, General Santos City. The activity aims to provide guidance to all DRRMCs and other agencies concerned on the institutionalization and proper application of PDRA, as a tool to present the possible impacts to the populace as basis to determine the appropriate level of response actions from the national level government down to the local government units (LGUs). Invited resource speakers from the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Phi l ippine Inst i tute of Vo l cano logy and Se ismo logy ( P H I V O L C S ) a n d P h i l i p p i n e

Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) provided their inputs and updates on hazards the region is dealing with. Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis OCD III conducted an RDANA Training on 11 - 13 November 2014 for forty eight (48) participants coming from RDRRMC III and LGUs. The overview of RDANA was discussed which includes an overview of its purpose, objectives and

processes. Planning principles and assumptions were also part of the modules. RDANA is a vital tool in assessing the initial impact of a hazard in a community and determining the humanitarian assistance needed. In Northern Mindanao, OCD X spearheaded a five (5) day RDANA Facilitators Training for RDRRMC X Members and selected representatives from different LGUs in the area on 9 - 13 November 2014 at Chali Beach Resort and Conference Center in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City. Forty five (45) participants attended the training which aims to empower members of RDRRMC X agencies and selected LGUs to provide quicker and more comprehensive reporting and response action during disaster. The participants were trained on quick assessment of disaster damages for a faster submission of reports so that immediate appropriate relief actions can be undertaken. Also in Mindanao, OCD IX also conducted an RDANA Training of Trainers on 10 - 14 November 2014 at La Azotea, Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City. Twenty-nine (29) selected RDRRMC IX Members attended the activity which aims to create a pool of trainers who can cascade the tools to the community level in the region, as well act as the Regional RDANA Team

Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) Training of Trainers. (OCD IX)

17

ready for deployment as the need arises. Ms. Susana Quiambao, OIC of the Education and Training Division, OCD Central Office was the Training Director, with Shereen Lucas (ETD OCD CO), Roy Dorado (OCD XII) and Angelito Casinillo (OCD IX) as resource speakers. OCD Caraga also conducted an RDANA Training on 26 - 28 November 2014. Post-Disaster Needs Assessment OCD X conducted a five (5) day Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) Training for RDRRMC X Members and representatives from LGUs in Region X on 24 – 28 November 2014 at Chali Beach Resort and Conference Center, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City. OCD XII, together with the RDRRMC Member Agencies and Provincial

DRRMCs established the region’s PDNA Team after a rigid five-day Training on PDNA Course on 30 November to 4 December 2014 at Roadhaus Hotel, General Santos City. The activity was facilitated by the OCD National Instructors, and aims to ensure efficient, effective and well-organized Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery programs in the region. PDNA field exercises were also conducted to test the participant’s new knowledge. Also in Mindanao, OCD Caraga, with the support of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga conducted the Training of Trainers (ToT) on PDNA on 27 - 31 October 2014. “One of the advocacies of Republic Act 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 is geared towards Disaster Rehabilitation and

Recovery which aims to restore and improve the facilities, livelihood, living condi t ions and organizat iona l capacities of the affected communities, and reduce disaster risk in accordance with the ‘building back better’ principle, RDRRMC Chairperson and OCD Caraga Regional Director Liza Mazo said. The impacts of various disasters that battered the country triggered the Philippine Government to recognize PDNA as a tool which utilizes multi-sectoral and mult i -d iscip l inary approach in assessing disaster impacts and pr ior i t iz ing recovery and reconstruction needs. Such strategy is achieved through PDNA. While RDANA on a broader perspective is also a disaster response tool that is done at the early stage of a disaster to determine the immediate response priorities. (With reports from Doreen Sanchez, Robin Lim, Titus Velez and OCD Caraga.)

A T A G L A N C E Pre-Disaster Risk

Assessment (P D R A)

Post-Disaster Needs Assessment

(P D N A)

Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis

(R D A N A)

DESCRIPTION

TOOL

OBJECTIVE

OUTPUT

The process of evaluating a given

hazard’s characteristics and its possible impacts

to the populace.

Multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary structured approach for assessing

disaster impacts and prioritizing recovery and reconstructions needs.

Management tool to assess initial impact of a hazard to a community.

Determine the appropriate level of

response and corresponding actions

from concerned agencies, local

government and other stakeholders.

Determine the needed rehabilitation and

recovery programs that will restore the

community’s functioning to normal.

Determine the immediate disaster response and

humanitarian assistance needed after the initial

impact of a hazard.

Actions, programs and protocols to saves lives and lessen the impact of hazard to the populace.

Rehabilitation and recovery plans for communities and

affected by the disaster.

Report on damages and needs that should be

addressed immediately.

18

Gender and Development

End VAW Now! It’s Our Duty!

The Office of Civil Defense Regional Office II joined the observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women from 25 November to 12 December 2014 in Tuguegarao City. This year’s theme is End VAW Now! It’s Our Duty! OCD II personnel underwent lectures on the Basic Concepts and I s s u e s o n G e n d e r a n d Development which include discussion on concepts of Sex, Gender and Society. The salient features of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2014 were also discussed. Discussions on how to help in stopping VAW focused on vigilance and reporting of cases. During the lecture, Regional Director Norma C. Talosig said that the campaign espouses not only the stoppage of violence against women but also the promotion of gender and development policies in the workplace, wherein everyone is treated fairly and given equal opportunity. Violence against women as defined by World Health Organization is any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women which includes threats, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty. The campaign to end VAW is mandated by Presidential Proclamation No. 1172 of 2006, which designates the dates for observance. Last year, Republic Act 10398 was also enacted and declares 25th of N o v e m b e r a s N a t i o n a l Consciousness Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women And Children. Aside from the lecture, OCD II also conducted tree planting activity as part of the observance. (OCD II)

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD)signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) and Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) on 28 November 2014 in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. NDRRMC Executive Director and OCD Administrator Usec Alexander P. Pama, together with PICE National President David Sanchez and ASEP President Carlos Villaraza, signed the agreement on Earthquake Quick Response Program (EQRP), which allows OCD to deploy the engineers after an earthquake to check affected buildings and other infrastructures. Furthermore, OCD can also tap the two organizations in assessing the structural soundness of buildings to withstand earthquakes, recommend retrofitting and other actions, and thus ensure that the buildings and structures are resilient.

Usec. Pama in his message commended the engineers’ commitment to promote resilience to earthquake. “The Earthquake Quick Response Program which is being revitalized through this renewal of partnership will be an enduring testament to the potency of public and private partnership in great endeavors for the benefit of the people”, Pama further stated. Under the agreement, PICE will organize teams that will conduct case studies on earthquake engineering, and disaster management operations and coordination. These teams will provide technical assistance during emergency rescue operations and conduct rapid damage assessment. Meanwhile, ASEP will train the civil engineers on post-ear thquake response and rehabilitation. On the other hand, OCD is also tasked with training the engineers on DRRM and in drafting the policies, guidelines and standard procedures in deputizing, mobilizing and deploying the teams during actual disasters. (Noel H. Mapalo)

Private-Public Partnership in DRRM NDRRMC, OCD Inks Agreement with Engineers’ Organizations

NDRRMC-OCD inks an agreement with the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) and Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) on 28 November 2014. The agreement allows OCD to tap the engineers in assessing structural soundness of buildings to withstand earthquakes, and in deploying response teams during emergencies. (OCD PAO)

19

Awareness and Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness Kit or Grab-Bag

For more information and tips on preparing for

hazards and disasters, download and watch the

Project DINA Videos (Disaster Information for Nationwide Awareness)

Available Videos

Project DINA Videos can be downloaded for FREE

from www.ocd.gov.ph

For more information, email us at ocdpao@gmail.com

First Aid Kit with remedies for fever, LBM, pain and minor wounds

Flashlight, batteries, candles, matches and whistle

Easy-to-serve, ready-to-eat food enough for three days

Radio with fresh and spare batteries, mobile phones and charger

Drinking water in sealed containers and enough for three days

Needed items for young or older members of the family, including needs of persons-with-disabilities

Blankets, clothing, raincoat, boots, tissue and sanitary supplies

Ropes, old newspaper and plastic bags made of strong materials

Cash, spare changes and important documents in waterproof container

In times of emergencies like fire or an earthquake, the family needs to leave their home and evacuate to a safer area. To prepare for these emergencies, the family should prepare an emergency preparedness kit or a grab-bag that the family can bring along with them immediately. Emergency preparedness advocates lists the following as items that should be included in the grab-bag:

The items should be put in bag/s and stored inside the house where it can be accessed easily in case of emergency. Coordinate with leaders on the community’s evacuation plan and decide with the family on places where you can meet up in case you are separated from one another. (OCD PAO)