OCD, Lanao Sur DRRMO conduct ICS training

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (OCD-BARMM) and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) held an Incident Command System (ICS) Executive Training Course for 37 members of the PDRRM Council on April 7 to enhance coordination among agencies during emergency situations.

ICS is a standardized system used for managing emergencies, providing a coordinated approach that integrates all parties involved in DRRM.

PDRRMO Head Shaminoden M. Sambitory said the ICS training is structured into Levels 1 through 4, with the executive course focused on ICS overview and terminologies. This ensures that local officials, department heads, and council members understand the basics of ICS and their roles during emergencies.

“It is crucial to capacitate them to ensure there is no duplication of efforts. In ICS, we aim to prevent situations where services are not provided or responses are duplicated. These are key areas we prioritize to ensure effective emergency management,” Sambitory said.

According to Sambitory, the province’s geography poses challenges in coordination and communication during emergencies. Some areas lack signal, necessitating the use of two-way radios as alternatives for communication.

“Because of this, there is a delay in terms of information dissemination. But we are always trying to adopt alternative ways of disseminating information and getting reports from our areas,” he added.

Sambitory also underscored the importance of continuous training to enhance the province’s emergency preparedness. To support this, the PDRRMO has planned a series of capability-building activities, including a second batch for the ICS executive course and advanced ICS training (Levels 1-4).

Other specialized courses for responders include Hazardous Material (Hazmat) Training, Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), and First Aid and Basic Life Support. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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17 LGUs in Lanao del Sur demonstrate growing commitment to DRRM, earn Gawad Kalasag seal

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Local government units (LGUs) in Lanao del Sur are demonstrating heightened awareness and proactive approach to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and climate change adaptation. This change is evident in the increasing number of LGUs in the province receiving the Gawad KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) award.

Only three (3) municipalities – Bubong, Piagapo, and Wao – received the prestigious seal in 2022. This number rose to eight (8) in 2023, to include the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.

“In 2022, we only had three awardees in Lanao del Sur. In 2023, the province of Lanao del Sur and seven component LGUs became awardees. This 2024, we have 17 awardees. It shows that in terms of DRRM, we are moving forward,” said Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden Sambitory.

The 2024 ‘fully-compliant’ awardees include the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, and the municipalities of Bacolod Kalawi, Balabagan, Balindong, Binidayan, Buadipuso-Buntong, Bubong, Butig, Calanogas, Kapatagan, Lumba Bayabao, Saguiaran, Pagayawan, Piagapo, Taraka, and Wao.

Sambitory highlighted that as more LGUs are earning the prestigious seal, efforts on improving preparedness and response in the province become stronger, benefiting the communities and strengthening collective resilience.

“We are hoping that the number of our awardees will further increase next year,” he said.

The Gawad KALASAG  is an annual search that recognizes LGUs, individuals, and organizations that promote and implement exemplary DRRM and climate change adaptation practices, as well as humanitarian assistance programs. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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DRRM Council approves enhanced contingency plans for Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council of Lanao del Sur has approved and endorsed four updated contingency plans to address major natural hazards to improve the province’s disaster preparedness and response.

The approved plans—covering flooding, landslides, typhoons, and earthquakes— were approved by the Council during its 4th quarter meeting on December 12, 2024 , and will be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for adoption.

Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden M. Sambitory emphasized the critical need to revise these plans annually, noting the unpredictable impacts of climate change and the province’s vulnerability to various natural disasters. “While we have had contingency plans in previous years, we must ensure that they are updated each year to reflect the changing realities of our environment and the risks we face,” he said.

In addition to the four natural hazard contingency plans, Sambitory expressed hopes that, by next year, the Council will also adopt a contingency plan addressing human-induced crises, particularly armed conflict.

“This is of utmost importance, and as such, we are collaborating with the security sector to develop a comprehensive contingency plan for armed conflict,” he added. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Lanao del Sur strengthens DRRM with new review board

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Council of Lanao del Sur has approved the reconstitution of the Provincial Review Board to ensure that all Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plans (LDRRMPs) are comprehensive, effective, and aligned with the province’s overall disaster risk reduction strategy.

An LDRRMP is a strategic guide for local government units (LGUs) in managing disaster risks, responding to emergencies, and improving community resilience to both natural and human-induced hazards. The newly formed Provincial Review Board will evaluate plans to address local risks and align them with higher-level strategies.

The Board comprises key provincial officers, including Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden Sambitory, Provincial DILG Officer Cader Indar, Provincial Planning Officer Subaida Mala, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Mariam Casim, and Atty. Datu Hamad Abas of the Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi).

“Dapat ngayong taon nagsisimula na tayo sa pagpaplano kung paano pa natin mapapalakas ang LDRRMPs (We should start planning this year on how we can further strengthen the LDRRMPs),” LDRRMO IV Adil Robroy Macarambon of the Provincial DRRM Office said during the 4th quarter meeting of the PDRRMC on December 12. 

He pointed out that in many LGUs, the programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) in their plans are often not fully aligned with risk-based strategies and other essential considerations. 

“Minsan, ang mga PPAs ay hindi risk-based, hindi gender-sensitive, at hindi child-friendly (Sometimes, the PPAs are not risk-based, not gender-sensitive, and not child-friendly),“ he added.

To address this, the Provincial DRRM Office, in partnership with UNICEF, the BARMM government, the Office of Civil Defense, and the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, has formed a team to train LGUs on developing appropriate PPAs. These efforts aim to improve the effectiveness of LDRRMPs.

Macarambon said they have already conducted two batches of enhancement workshops with the LGUs. According to him, the goal is to complete the enhancement of plans for the 40 component LGUs, after which they will consolidate all the plans. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Lanao del Sur enhances disaster resilience thru training, technology, and community engagement

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in Lanao del Sur is adopting a holistic approach to enhance disaster resilience across the province by integrating innovative training programs, advanced technology, and active community participation.

To empower local government units (LGUs) and residents to prepare for and respond to emergencies effectively, the PDRRMO is actively engaging communities, students, and youth in disaster preparedness activities.

Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden M. Sambitory said they are training LGUs so they can, in turn, provide training to the province’s 1,159 barangays. Key training programs include defensive driving for ambulance operators, high-angle rescue techniques, Incident Command System (ICS) training, ambulance operation management, basic life support, and Basic Occupational Safety and Health, among others.

The PDRRMO has partnered with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard, to provide comprehensive training in areas like fire suppression and water search and rescue.

It also collaborated with UNICEF for emergency preparedness and response training. To date, six batches have completed the program, with an additional session scheduled for October. Sambitory said these training modules focus on developing essential skills for disaster management and enhancing local disaster risk management (DRRM) plans to align with national and regional strategies.

The PDRRMO is likewise leveraging technology with Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) training designed to teach LGUs how to create hazard maps that identify areas at risk of disasters, while early warning systems, including rain gauges and tsunami alerts, are being installed in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology.

“Hazard map is very important for our LGUs for them to be able to identify the areas that are prone to landslide or areas that are prone to flash floods. An early warning system also gives our LGUs and communities time to prepare before the onset of a disaster or an emergency,” Sambitory said.

Recognizing the importance of climate change awareness as a critical component in DRRM, Sambitory further underscored that all stakeholders, including schools, must be involved in these efforts. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Lanao del Sur DRRMO highlights need for preparedness as typhoon season nears

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Lanao del Sur Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Office reminded members of the Provincial DRRM Council to be vigilant and prepared as the ‘Ber’ months signal the onset of the tropical cyclone season.

During the council’s third quarter meeting on September 25, Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden M. Sambitory explained the weather forecast for the last quarter of the year, noting that many destructive typhoons have historically impacted Mindanao during this time, including Sendong in 2011, Pablo in 2012, Vinta in 2017 and Odette in 2021.

Sambitory stated that the province could face stronger and more destructive storms due to post-El Niño conditions, which elevated ocean temperatures. He said recent weather events have already demonstrated the potential for severe local impacts, such as the flash floods triggered by the Southwest Monsoon.

To address these concerns, the PDRRMO is implementing three-tiered preparedness measures. The first layer focuses on the provincial level, the second on the component local government units (LGUs), including the 39 municipalities and the city of Marawi, and the third layer targets the barangays or communities.

Sambitory underscored the importance of PDRRMO’s capacity-building initiatives, stating, “What we are doing is more focus on capacity-building activities because that’s what we need. We must equip or enhance the capacities of each office, agency, LGU, and barangay or community in Lanao del Sur with the necessary skills to respond effectively to emergencies.”

To support these efforts, the provincial response cluster brought together various agencies with relevant expertise. The Emergency Operations Center was established to enhance local response capabilities.

Training programs are likewise conducted to equip target individuals with essential skills such as first aid, basic life support, water search and rescue, high-angle rescue, and fire suppression, among others.

Sambitory, however, acknowledged the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns, which can disrupt training schedules. “When there is a weather disturbance, we have to stop the training because we have to prioritize the monitoring and response to emergencies,” he explained.

As Lanao del Sur prepares for the season, the PDRRMC also urges residents to take proactive measures to ensure their safety and well-being. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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223 responders in Lanao Sur complete EMT-ERT course

Graduates of the Emergency Medical Technician Course and Emergency Response Training (EMT-ERT) conducted by the provincial government of Lanao del Sur in partnership with Rescue Recon-Philippines show their excitement during the EMT-ERT Culmination Program attended by DILG Sec. Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--A total of 223 responders here in the province completed the Emergency Medical Technician Course and Emergency Response Training (EMT-ERT) conducted by the provincial government of Lanao del Sur in partnership with Rescue Recon-Philippines.

The trainees consisted of personnel from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and Local DRRMOs of the 39 municipalities in the province including emergency responders from line agencies and uniformed personnel

The training is one of the disaster preparedness efforts of the PDRRMO to capacitate its personnel and emergency responders from component LGUs and members of the PDRRM Council's Emergency or Disaster Cluster. 

The 15-day EMT-ERT was conducted in three batches from November 1 to December 15, 2022.

"Kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamt sa ating mga trainees, sa mga LCE at provincial government kasi namaterialize natin itong training na ito at nainvolve natin yung vital stakeholders sa Lanao del Sur," said PDRRMO head Shaminoden Sambitory.

[We are very grateful to our trainees, the LCEs, and the provincial government because we have materialized this training and we have involved the vital stakeholders in Lanao del Sur.] (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Lanao del Sur PLGU capacitates first responders on emergency response

Emergency responders demonstrate water rescue skills during the 15-day Emergency Medical Technician and Emergency Response Training initiated by the provincial government of Lanao del Sur in partnership with Rescue Recon Philippines. (PIA Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur has partnered with the Rescue Recon-Philippines for the conduct of a 15-day Emergency Medical Technician and Emergency Response Training (EMT-ERT) to capacitate the province's first disaster responders.

A total of 223 individuals from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Municipal DRRMOs, and line agencies completed the training conducted in three batches from November 1 to December 15, 2022.

Provincial Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid Rakiin Adiong said one of the weaknesses that they have seen is the lack of training for responders which is why they initiated the EMT-ERT.

"Isang opportunity na hindi natin ipinagsawalang bahala lalo pa na ang nagbigay ng intensive training na ito ay subok na sa larangan emergency response at higit kilala sa maraming parte ng mundo - ang Rescue Recon," he said emphasizing that every disaster requires specific response skills.

[An opportunity that we did not take for granted especially since the intensive training was given by Rescue Recon which has been tested in the field of emergency response and is known in many parts of the world.]

The vice governor said the EMT-ERT is one of the provincial government's initiatives to further boost their DRRM efforts.

For his part, Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. said the training was the result of their desire to prepare the response teams of each local government unit in the province to appropriately respond to disasters and calamities.

He said it also serves as an encouragement for local chief executives of the province to strengthen their DRRM programs and fulfill their mandate as stated in Republic Act 10121 or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

The governor said the success of the efforts of the provincial government can only be measured if the LGUs will continue and complement these until all the constituents in Lanao del Sur are secure and can safely face calamities. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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