DA-10, partners strengthen disaster preparedness and response in NorMin

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — To bolster disaster preparedness and enhance coordinated emergency response efforts in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program, convened a Rainfall Response coordination meeting on August 8 in Barangay Carmen, this city.

The event brought together partner agencies and attached bureaus to reinforce inter-agency collaboration in addressing the impacts of flooding, crop damage, livestock losses, and disruptions to agricultural activities across the region. Participants assessed current conditions, aligned strategic response strategies, and improved support mechanisms for local farmers and fisherfolk.

Participating agencies presented their operational plans, focusing on strengthening early warning systems, raising public awareness, and ensuring the swift delivery of assistance to vulnerable communities.

Sherafin Simon P. Calacar, focal person of the Climate and Environment Risk Reduction Management Unit (CERRMU), introduced the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Information System (DRRMIS) 2.0. This web-based platform enables the DA-10 units and its partner offices to automatically report damages and losses during disasters, streamlining response and recovery operations.

This collaborative undertaking seeks to establish a unified disaster management framework that provides timely and accurate information, and support during extreme weather events. Ultimately, it aims to mitigate the adverse effects of calamities, safeguard food security, and build resilience in the agri-fishery sector.

Said meeting was attended by representatives from the Provincial Operations Center (POC) and key agencies including Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), DOLE, National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and the DOST – PAGASA).# (MAC)