ARMM to strengthen communication management among communities during disasters

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 15 (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Humanitarian and Emergency Action Response Team (ARMM-HEART) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) conducted a meeting to strengthen communication management among communities in the region during disasters.

The meeting-orientation on Information Management and Community Engagement was held in Cotabato City, July 13, and participated by different line agencies and various humanitarian organizations operating in the ARMM.

Ramil Masukat, ARMM Disaster Risk Reduction officer, said Information Management and Community Engagement aims to bring together key actors to develop an effective and coordinated mechanism for accessible sharing of information with people before, during and after emergencies.

He said it will also ensure the meaningful participation of the communities in the process.

On the other hand, Mukhtar Farah, head of UN OCHA sub-office, stressed the importance of communication with communities during disasters and conflicts.

He said it is a tool that improves humanitarian responses to the needs of communities who have been displaced either by natural disasters or conflicts.

A gallery walk and plenary session also took place during the meeting followed by a discussion on the common services tool on communications, accountability and community participation. (APB/PIA-10)