INSIDE

DND Anniversary
page 5

Yolanda Book Launched

page 6

Yolanda
Commemoration
page 7

NDRRMC-OCDs
Observance of
IDDR, ADDM
page 8

Earthquake Drill
page 9

Civil Defense
Across the Nation

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 countrys
disaster risk reduction and
management program, leads in the
continuous development of
strategies, approaches and
measures to reduce vulnerabilities
and risks to hazards and manage
consequences of disasters.

protocols and programs to evaluate

an impending hazards 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 countrys 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 evidence-based information from

the PDRA, gathered before Typhoon
Ruby entered the country, was used
as the basis for the massive
preparation and pre-emptive
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.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction

and
Management
Council
institutionalized the Pre-Disaster Risk
Assessment (PDRA) and its actions,

Making the people understand the

true nature of risks they are facing
prompt them to follow them to follow
the governments lead. Peoples
participation is needed to truly build a
resilient and safer nation.

pages 10 - 13

Local DRRM
page 16-17

Gender and
Development
page 18

Public-Private
Partnership
page 18

Awareness and
Preparedness
page 19

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.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Government Evacuates Thousands

from Typhoon Rubys 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
hazards 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.

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)
dissemination and
activities started.

coordination

people, putting up emergency facilities

as well as prepositioning relief, before
the typhoon makes its landfall.

Zero Casualty Objective

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

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 governments
zero casualty objective, and also
directed the agencies to complete all
preparations such as evacuating

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

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)

OCD VI Regional Director Rosario

Cabrera presides the conduct of PreDisaster 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)

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.

Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) in Figures

215 KPH Maximum Winds
250 KPH Gustiness
18 Dead
916 Injured
0 Missing

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

1.76 Million
Individuals Evacuated
Pre-emptively
Source: NDRRMC Reports

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.

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

Aftermath

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)

The Team Caraga, led by Butuan City

Mayor F erd inan d Aman te Jr .,
composed of OCD-RDRRMC
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)

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)

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

NDRRMC, OCD Join

DNDs Anniversary Celebration
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
Philippines (AFP) General
Headquarters Canopy. More than sixty
vacancies in the agency were offered
and OCD personnel received and
processed the hundreds of
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

OCD and NDRRMC featured

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)

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)
participated in the exhibit, and featured
their activities and programs related to
the thematic areas of Disaster
Prevention and Mitigation,
P r e p a r e d ne s s , R es po n s e , a n d
Rehabilitation and Recovery. The
NDRRMC is Chaired by the Secretary
of National Defense.

also featured the equipment and

capability of the Armed Forces.

On 17 November, President Benigno

S. Aquino III visited the exhibit which

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)

DND Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin

poses with Model Supervisor awardees
which includes OCD IV-A Regional
Director Vicente T. Tomazar during the
Departments 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
Departments 75th Founding
Anniversary. (OCD PAO)

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

NDRRMC Launches Book on

Typhoon Yolanda
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
Administrator Undersecretary
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
Yolandas wrath, but it also contains
important analyses of the actions done
and is meant to assist in the
formulation of effective answers to the

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)

challenge of the times. In his message

in the books preface, President
Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his
hope that the book inspires its readers
to participate meaningfully in the
rehabilitation efforts.

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 OCDs
personnel and organizational capacities as the countrys
lead DRRM agency. (OCD PAO)

Our countrymen deserve the best that

a culture of equitability 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)

OCD and the United Nations Office for Coordination of

Humanitarian Assistance (UN OCHA) conduct a Training of
Trainers on Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination on 1821 November 2014 at The Millenia Suites in Ortigas Center,
Pasig City. The event aims to further strengthen the
countrys structure in managing disasters and emergencies.
(OCD PAO)

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 newlyrepaired 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

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 Yolandas anniversary. (From the Official Gazette of the Republic of the
Philippines Facebook Page. Photo by Malacaang Photo Bureau.)

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)

Experiences and Insights from OCD Personnel Deployed to Yolanda Affected Areas
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

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

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

Mixed emotions, its a combination of

memorable and terrible experiences
of being deployed for 56 days. Mary

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.

Ann Mendez OCD ARMM

Reyes OCD Central Office

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 years 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
t h r o u g h th e i r e x p er i e n c e a n d
knowledge

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)

In her keynote speech, Guest of Honor

Senator Loren Legarda cited statistics
on how people aged 60 years and
above, suffer disproportionately from
disasters.

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.

Seventy five percent (75%) of those

killed by Hurricane Katrina in the

NDRRMC Executive Director and OCD

Administrator Undersecretary

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-withdisabilities and other marginalized
sectors. (Noel H. Mapalo)

Fast Facts on IDDR and ADDM

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISASTER REDUCTION

ASEAN DAY OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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)
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.

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 governments capability in
managing disasters and emergencies,
but also generate awareness on
hazards that threaten communities.

In Ilocos Region, more than 23,000

individuals joined the exercise, while
46 schools and fourteen government
agencies participated in Cagayan
Valley.

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 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.)

Disaster responders attend to a victim

affected by toxic materials during the
earthquake drill held in San Mateo,
Rizal. (OCD IV-A)

Students do the duck, cover and hold

technique during the earthquake drill
held in Mandaue City Comprehensive
Central School. (OCD VII)

Emergency medical personnel perform

first aid to a victim during the
earthquake drill conducted in Western
Visayas Region. (OCD VI)

CIVIL DEFENSE AC
The Civil Defense Across The Nation
section is a collection of news stories
on events and activities conducted by
OCD Regional Offices.

OCD I
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
Saints and All Souls Day.
OCD I Director Melchito M. Castro
convened the Regional Council as
early as September to discuss the
preparations to the expected highdensity
peoples
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.

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 Councils
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 yearend meeting. (Ma. Criselda G. Abrajano)

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 Regional Director Josefina T.

Timoteo speaks during ICS Training for
Orion, Bataan LGU. (OCD III)

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.

OCD I Regional Director Melchito M.

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

OCD III

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 years
contenders also included schools,
hospitals
and
civil
society
organizations. (Doreen Sanchez)

OCD III Conducts ICS Trainings

Jaramillo)

OCD III Regional Director Josefina T.

Timoteo led the conduct of Incident
Command System (ICS) Integrated
Planning Training Course for the thirtyfive (35) Department Heads of the
Municipality of Orion, Bataan on 6-10
October 2014.

RDRRMC OCD I sets up the Oplan

Undas 2014 Advance Command Post
in San Juan, La Union. (OCD I)

10

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

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)

ROSS THE NATION

OCD IV-A
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)

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)

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 civilmilitary 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)

Usec Alexander P. Pama delivers his

keynote address during the Gawad
Kalasag awarding for Western Visayas.
(OCD VI)

OCD VII

Trainees participate in a workshop

during the Humanitarian Civil - Military
Coordination Course conducted by
OCD VII and UN OCHA. (OCD VII)

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 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

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 CivilMilitary 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 personnel distribute financial

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

11

CIVIL DEFENSE AC
OCD VIII
OCD VIII Assists LGU in
Crafting DRRM Plan
OCD VIII assisted the Municipality of
Bobon, Northern Samar in the crafting
of the local government units
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)

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.

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)

Incident Command System as an onscene 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)

OCD XI

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)

A participant reads out her groups

output during the DRRM Plan
formulation workshop for the
Municipality of Bobon, Northern Samar.
(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

12

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.

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)

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

ROSS THE NATION

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)

Participants prepare their group output

during the Civil Military Coordination
Course conducted by OCD and UN
OCHA in Davao City. (OCD XI)

OCD ARMM
OCD ARMM and 6th ID PA Conducts
WaSAR Training
OCD ARMM and the Philippine Armys
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 governments 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)

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

A trainer guides a participant during the

Water Search and Rescue Training in
Maguindanao. (OCD ARMM)

OCD CARAGA
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

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

CARAGA)

13

Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

OCD, RDRRMC Conduct Contingency Plan

Formulation and Training Workshops
The Regional Offices of Office of Civil
Defense (OCD), together with their
respective Regional Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Councils
(RDRRMC) conducted series of
C o n t i ng e nc y P l a n F o r m u la t i o n
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
environment and establishes
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

Contingency Plan Formulation Workshop for Municipalities of Maguindanao

Province. (OCD ARMM)
November through a series of
workshops conducted in Baguio City.

Regional Director Josefina T. Timoteo

spearheaded the three-day
Contingency 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.

On 27 - 29 October 2014, OCD I

assisted Paoay, Ilocos Norte in
formulating their Contingency Plan on
Earthquake. The Pangasinan
municipalities of Tayug, Binalonan and
Calasiao formulated their Flood
Contingency Plans in November.

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.

Meanwhile,
the municipalities of
Tagudin and Alilem, both from Ilocos
Sur,
reviewed and updated their
existing Flood Contingency Plan also in

In Central Luzon, OCD III conducted

Contingency Planning to beef up the
preparedness level of LGUs in the
region.

One of the Contingency Planning

Workshops conducted in Ilocos
Region. (OCD I)

C o n t i n ge ncy P l a n Fo r mu l a t i o n
Workshop for City of Passi, Iloilo. (OCD

Flood Contingency Planning Workshop

for the Province of Lanao del Norte.

VI)

(OCD X)

LUZON

14

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

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
identified 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
facilitated 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
Police, Philippine 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 Popes visit
in Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte.

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

MINDANAO
OCD IX conducted five Contingency
Plan related activities 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 conduct of
Contingency Plan (CP) Training of
Facilitators on 1 - 3 October 2014 at
Apple Tree Resort, Opol, Misamis
Oriental. More than forty
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
Plan
Formulation
workshop conducted in Zamboanga
Region. (OCD IX)

Contingency Planning Workshop for

Penablanca, Cagayan. (OCD II)
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
Department of Budget and
Management as the priority
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,

Contingency Planning Workshop for

municipalities of Mabini and Maco,
Compostela Valley. (OCD XI)

15

Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

OCD, RDRRMCs Train Locals

on Use of Disaster Management Tools
processes. Planning principles and
assumptions were also part of the
modules.

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.

RDANA is a vital tool in assessing the

initial impact of a hazard in a
community and determining the
humanitarian assistance needed.

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.

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.

Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment

O C D X I I c on du c te d a PD R A
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), Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS) and Philippine

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

16

Rapid Damage Assessment and

Needs Analysis (RDANA) Training of
Trainers. (OCD IX)
Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA) provided their inputs and
updates on hazards the region is
dealing with.
Rapid Damage
Needs Analysis

Assessment

and

OCD III conducted an RDANA Training

on 11 - 13 November 2014 for forty
eight (48) participants coming from
RDRRMC III and LGUs.

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.

The overview of RDANA was

discussed which includes an overview
of its purpose, objectives and

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) Briefing for
RDANA Teams. (OCD III)

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

AT A GLANCE

TOOL

DESCRIPTION

OBJECTIVE

OUTPUT

Pre-Disaster Risk
Assessment

Rapid Damage Assessment

and Needs Analysis

Post-Disaster
Needs Assessment

(P D R A)

(R D A N A)

(P D N A)

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

Multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary structured

approach for assessing
disaster impacts and
prioritizing recovery and
reconstructions needs.

Determine the immediate

disaster response and
humanitarian assistance
needed after the initial
impact of a hazard.

Determine the needed

rehabilitation and
recovery programs that
will restore the
communitys functioning
to normal.

Report on damages and

needs that should be
addressed immediately.

Rehabilitation and
recovery plans for
communities and
affected by the disaster.

The process of
evaluating a given
hazards characteristics
and its possible impacts
to the populace.

Determine the
appropriate level of
response and
corresponding actions
from concerned
agencies, local
government and other
stakeholders.

Actions, programs and

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

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 regions

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 wellorganized Disaster Rehabilitation and
Recovery programs in the region.
PDNA field exercises were also
conducted to test the participants 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
conditions and organizational
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 multis e c t o r a l an d mu l t i - d i s c i p l in a r y
approach in assessing disaster impacts
and prioritizing 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.)

17

Gender and Development

End VAW Now!

Its 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 years theme is End VAW
Now! Its Our Duty!
OCD II personnel underwent
lectures on the Basic Concepts and
Issues on Gender and
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
November
as
National
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)

18

Private-Public Partnership in DRRM

NDRRMC, OCD Inks Agreement

with Engineers Organizations
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
e n g i n e e r s o n p o s t- e a r t h q u a k e
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)

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)

Awareness and Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness Kit

or Grab-Bag
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:

First Aid Kit with remedies for fever,

LBM, pain and minor wounds

Radio with fresh and spare batteries,

mobile phones and charger

Drinking water in sealed containers

and enough for three days

Easy-to-serve, ready-to-eat food

enough for three days

Flashlight, batteries, candles,

matches and whistle

Ropes, old newspaper and

plastic bags made of strong materials

Blankets, clothing, raincoat, boots,

tissue and sanitary supplies

Cash, spare changes and important

documents in waterproof container

Needed items for young or older

members of the family, including
needs of persons-with-disabilities

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
communitys evacuation plan and
decide with the family on places where
you can meet up in case you are
separated from one another. (OCD PAO)

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

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