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The Lanao del Sur Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council aims to leverage technology and digital tools to enhance collaboration, ensuring effective emergency responses across the province. By integrating innovative cutting-edge solutions, the council seeks to strengthen community preparedness and resilience in the face of potential disasters.
It recently held its third-quarter meeting to strategise for the upcoming typhoon season, emphasising the establishment of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with partner schools and local government units (LGUs).
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in Lanao del Sur is spearheading a holistic approach to enhance disaster resilience through innovative training programmes, cutting-edge technology, and active community participation. These initiatives are designed to empower both local government units and residents to effectively prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden M. Sambitory highlighted the significance of training LGUs, who will subsequently train the province’s 1,159 barangays. Training includes defensive driving for ambulance operators, high-angle rescue techniques, Incident Command System (ICS) training, and basic life support. These courses are critical in developing a skilled workforce capable of responding to various emergency situations.
In collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard, the PDRRMO is providing comprehensive training in areas such as fire suppression and water search and rescue. The PDRRMO has also partnered with UNICEF to deliver emergency preparedness and response training, with six batches having completed the programme and an additional session scheduled for October. These training modules focus on equipping participants with essential skills for effective disaster management and aligning local disaster risk management plans with national and regional strategies.
Leveraging technology is a cornerstone of PDRRMO’s strategy. The council offers Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) training to LGUs, enabling them to create hazard maps that identify areas at risk of disasters. This technological integration is complemented by the installation of early warning systems, including rain gauges and tsunami alerts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Sambitory stressed the importance of hazard maps and early warning systems, stating, “Hazard maps are crucial for our LGUs to identify areas prone to landslides or flash floods. An early warning system also provides our communities with vital time to prepare before a disaster strikes.” This proactive approach is designed to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and enhance community resilience.
Recognising climate change as a significant factor in disaster risk management, Sambitory stressed the need for comprehensive awareness among all stakeholders, including schools. The involvement of educational institutions is essential in fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience within the community.
OpenGov Asia reported that the Department of Science and Technology is enhancing weather forecasting by using AI, enabling updates every 15 minutes and extending forecasts from five to 14 days. This modernisation effort aims to improve disaster preparedness, although challenges persist with operational Doppler radars, of which only 11 out of 19 are functional.
Training for local disaster managers and advanced communication systems further demonstrate the country’s commitment to leveraging technology for effective disaster response.
As the region prepares for the typhoon season, the PDRRMO is focused on establishing a comprehensive disaster preparedness framework that integrates technology, training, and community involvement. These strategies aim to foster a culture of resilience in Lanao del Sur, protecting residents while promoting sustainable development amid rising climate-related threats.
The recent meeting highlights the council’s commitment to enhancing disaster resilience through technology and community engagement. By focusing on training and partnerships, the province aims to proactively protect residents and improve emergency responses, serving as a model for other regions facing similar challenges and highlighting the importance of preparedness in a changing climate.
