LGU Balaoan Strengthens Local DRRM for a more Disaster-Resilient Municipality
Under the new leadership of Mayor Aleli U. Concepcion, LGU Balaoan further strengthens Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) as one of its major programs.
Our country experienced several natural disasters and calamities that destroyed properties and resulted to loss of lives. These experiences made the current administration realize the importance of institutionalizing prevention and mitigation strategies to address the effects of disasters. The need to mobilize resources, enjoin active community participation coupled with volunteerism are seen to build a culture of a more disaster-resilient municipality.
In order to protect lives and properties of people from disasters and preserve the environment from the effects of climate change, the municipal government implemented various projects and programs to strengthen its local DRRM.
Additional disaster equipment were procured for faster emergency response. Through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), capacity trainings and Information Education Campaigns (IECs) were conducted to improve the skills of responders and to increase community awareness. Series of fire and earthquake drills were likewise conducted in schools and in the barangays. The Basic Life Support Training last July 29, 2016 was participatedin by the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRRMC) members with technical assistance provided by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Office. On disaster mitigation and environmental protection, the communities were involved in coastal clean-up drives, mangrove and tree planting activities.
In October 2016, the municipality experienced the wrath of Typhoon “Lawin” that greatly affected the coastal barangays of Almeida and Paraoir. Around 340 persons were evacuated at the Balaoan Civic Center. Relief assistance was given to the evacuees.
With the commitment of the current administration to further improve services on DRRM, a fully equipped Evacuation Center will soon be constructed. In December 2016, a lot at ButubutOeste was procured which will be the site for the Evacuation Center.
