The Environmental Program of the Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement (SACSI) Office spearheaded a Two-day Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Seminar Workshop with the theme:“Mainstreaming Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction” on March 26 to 27, 2015 at the Carlos Dominguez Conference Hall, Ateneo de Zamboanga Univeristy, Fr. Eusebio Salvador, SJ Campus. There were 42 participants consisting of faculty and staff from different departments and units of the university. The goal of the workshop was to equip the participants with basic skills and knowledge in preparing for natural and man-made disasters.
During the first day, various speakers from the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), ADZU College of Nursing Department headed by Dean Maria Lorna B. Paber,RN,MAN, Caver’s Association represented by Mr. Marc Mentens and the ORASIS TEAM from Dipolog City represented by Dr. Rey Acis were present to share their expertise with the group.
Mr. John Mayo M. Enriquez, Director of SACSI Office gave the opening remarks and the rationale of the training. He highlighted that after the training, the university plans to create a pool of Marshalls trained to respond effectively to emergencies during disaster. Dr. Elmeir E. Apolinario, Assistant City Administrator of the City Government, discussed the Basic Concept of Risk Reduction Management and Salient Features of Phil. Disaster Risk Reduction Act of 2010. The discussion involved the presentation of R.A. 10121 which mandated that there shall be an established LDRRMO (Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) in every province, city, municipality, and BDRRMC (Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) in every Barangay.
Mr. Felipo David G. Malcampo, Information Center Manager of the PIA stated in his talk on climate change “Nagbabago na ang panahon. Panahon na para magbago” he reminded the participants as well as the organizers of the importance of adapting to climate change.
Furthermore, Engr. Allan Labayog from the PHIVOLCS enlightened the participants on Earthquake Risk Reduction Management. A representative from PAGASA also discussed the different Weather Causing Phenomena. Mr Sir Francis LLenado, Chief of the University Security Office, also presented the university’s disaster management plan. The participants also listened to a discussion on Bomb Detection and Reporting.
The participants also encountered first hand application on how to rescue and respond in disaster situations during the second day of the workshop. They were then trained by the Organized Rescue Assessed Communication (ORACIS) team, led by Dr. Ray Asis, on the basics of triage to Incident Command System (ICS). A rappelling demonstration was done through hands-on practicum by Sir Marc Mentens.
Environment Program officer, Welma L. Omboy emphasized the need for the faculty and staff of ADZU to plan future steps which should commence with schedule further skills training with some identified Marshalls for the ADZU Emergency Response Team.
During the synthesis, Ms. Cellyn A. Verallo, highlighted the need for the Atenean to be prepared in times of emergencies.
Lastly, the seminar workshop served as the springboard for developing ADZU’s comprehensive plan on disaster risk reduction and management.
