“Disaster can either make or unmake us as public officials,” Governor Niño Uy emphasized as he addressed the 183 Punong Barangays during the First Davao Oriental Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Summit held today, July 17, 2024, at Honey’s Hotel in the City of Mati.
During the event, which marked a significant event in the province’s history of disaster resilience, Governor Uy underscored the importance of proactive disaster management, noting the inevitability of calamities in Davao Oriental. “Kalamidad kakambal na sa atong pagserbisyo (Calamity is a twin of our service.) We must focus on disaster preparedness in our barangays. Good coordination from the onset of a calamity can lessen the impact on the people and reduce issues along the way,” he stated.
Drawing from experience, he highlighted the necessity of timely data submission and reporting, stressing that disaster response is a collective effort. “You know the situation in your barangay. Let’s continue to be innovative. The only constant is change. Let’s continue to learn to be competent legislators and barangay executives.”
Governor Uy also reminded local officials about the proper utilization of the LDRRM Fund, warning that non-compliance could undermine their effectiveness as barangay leaders. As for the provincial government, it regularly submits Disaster Fund Utilization reports to the Commission on Audit (COA).
Held as part of National Disaster Resilience Month, the summit underscored barangays’ crucial role in disaster response, especially in a province frequently visited by natural calamities. The event featured a series of lectures and discussions to equip barangay leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective disaster management.
The summit also served as a platform for barangay leaders to exchange ideas, learn from experts, and strengthen their commitment to disaster resilience. Through initiatives like these, Davao Oriental aims to set a benchmark in proactive disaster management, ensuring that communities are better prepared and more resilient in the face of natural disasters.
Speakers at the summit delivered insightful presentations on various topics, including the “Listo is Kap” guidelines, the Seal of Good Governance Barangay Indicators, climate patterns, and the relevance and applications of early warning systems. Sessions also covered vital areas such as local DRRM fund budgeting and utilization, and the integration of DRRM in barangay governance.
Governor Uy expressed his gratitude to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for organizing the summit, as well as the Office of Civil Defense headed by Regional Director Ednar Dayanghirang, emphasizing the paramount importance of disaster resilience in barangays. By PIO | Photos by Jerome Diosma
