This year’s regional Dagyaw aims to: 1) inform citizens of the government’s plans on the current agenda and condition of our country and CALABARZON on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Disaster Resiliency; 2) hold an in-depth discussion with representatives from key sectors on the efficient and effective implementation of the Local DRRM Plan; and 3) explore ways and mechanisms where various sectors of society can participate in the protection and preservation of life and property during disasters.

The convenors invited Office of the Civil Defense IV-A Regional Director Maria Theresa R. Escolano as town hall reporter, and the following experts from notable organizations to serve as panelists: For. Roberto Cereno, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); Mr. Jefferson Chua, Plastic’s and Climate Emergency Preparedness and Response Lead of Greenpeace Southeast Asia; and Mr. Felimon Buena, President of Nilambat, Inc.

To jumpstart the discussion, Dir. Escolano presented that in the Philippines, the following four (4) DRRM Thematic Areas: Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery and Disaster Response are implemented for a safer, adaptive, and disaster resilient Filipino communities.  It was also reported that responding to the recent calamities experienced by the region were still met by challenges such as prioritization, sustainment of DRRM efforts and initiatives and making DRRM as a way of life. These hurdles may be addressed when there is structure, resources and systems for DRRM, and enabling mechanisms where people may be able participate and collaborate. Dir. Escolano highlighted that the Dagyaw is one of the many platforms where collaborative engagement between the government and stakeholders on issues and concerns of national and regional significance may be strengthened.

After the lecture Mr. Kenneth Rey Recio facilitated the dialogue where the panel discussants, including the town hall reporter, addressed the five (5) core questions and engaged in open discussion with the audience.

For effective DRRM practice, Nilambat Inc. President Buena’s shared that it is important for various people’s organizations to participate in the projects and programs of the government to fully represent and convey the needs of their respective sectors. 

On the part of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Mr. Chua said that their organization visits the impacted communities to know their experiences and help them in their current situation, and the local government units to share their climate campaign. He also expressed the significance of the academe’s contribution in DRRM especially in providing timely and complete information in maximizing the efforts of the government, and in setting standards on sustainable practices among communities.

Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Cereno pointed out that the UPLB has already started their march towards a future-proof campus through embedding in their building designs, program curriculum, community activities, etc. the anticipated effects of shocks of anticipated events. He also discussed that everyone should understand and appreciate the role of our mountain ranges. Further, Vice Chancellor Cereno argued that the Comprehensive Land Use Plan should not be mere piece of paper as it is an important tool in avoiding disasters as long as the LGUs implement it unequivocally. During the open forum, various organizations also shared their contributions to the DRRM activities and proposed actions in recalibrating and improving the policies and programs of the national and local governments.

To conclude, DBM IV-A Director Nympha R. Manalastas thanked all the panelists and civic groups for their active participation and insightful suggestions during the Dagyaw 2022 Regional Town Hall Meeting. She also encouraged everyone to continuously collaborate with the government and other organizations for a more progressive and resilient Philippines.