By Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY - In preparation for any calamity that may hit the province, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) intends to conduct disaster training in all municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte.
PDRRMO Planning Officer Ryne Bustillo said the office had already conducted Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Management Seminar Workshop in the 16 municipalities of the province,namely, Sergio Osmena, La Libertad, Polanco, Katipunan, Roxas, Jose Dalman, Leon Postigo, Siayan, Liloy, Labason, Kalawit,Godod, Gutalac, Siocon, Sirawai and Sibuco.
The training was designed to make the emergency responders in the municipalities down to the barangay level more knowledgeable of their role, and be able immediately provide the needed assistance to the people and to make use of the available resources in their possession.
However, Bustillo admitted that the local government units (LGUs) still need the support of the Office of Civil Defense OCD) to augment their capability to address the needs of the people in times of disaster.
He cited the need of additional equipment needed by the emergency responders during the occurrence of any calamity, be it natural or human-induced.
Recently, OCD-9 through its provincial coordinator, Dr. Victor Bernido and the PDRRMO conducted a two-day provincial summit on DRRM for the local chief executives (LCEs), thus putting disaster preparation a priority concern of everyone.