As the Vice-Chair for Disaster Response, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, together with its partner agencies, participated in the 2nd Quarter Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Meeting held on June 4, 2025, at Almont City Hotel, Butuan City.

Representing the DSWD were Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Jean Paul Parajes, Disaster Response Management Division Chief Aldie Mae Andoy, and her team. In his address to the council, ARDO Parajes emphasized the spirit of collaboration, stating:

“That’s why this council matters, because we do not work in silos. We draw strength from each other. We learn from each other. And in every coordination meeting, in every emergency response cluster, we are reminded that resilience is about people.

DSWD Caraga is ready to partner with each of you in capacity-building, community engagement, and in ensuring that no one, especially the most vulnerable, is left behind.”

A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (RDRRMP) 2023–2030, which outlines strategic goals across the four thematic areas: disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and disaster rehabilitation and recovery.

The council reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to empowering communities and fostering resilience at all levels, ensuring that preparedness, response, and recovery efforts are inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready.