To enhance the emergency response capacities of Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) in the region, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through its Standards Section and Disaster Response and Management Division (DRMD), is conducting a Disaster Preparedness Training for SWDAs from January 22 to 24, at the Watergate Hotel in Butuan City.

This three-day training, being held for the first time, underscores DSWD’s commitment to improving coordination and collaboration among SWDAs, fostering inter-agency cooperation in disaster planning, implementation, and monitoring. It also promotes community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives, ensuring that communities are better equipped to handle emergencies.

In her message, Policy and Plans Division (PPD) Chief Elsa Jamora expressed full support for the initiative. She emphasized the importance of capacity-building activities in equipping SWDAs, particularly those under the Area-Based Standards Network (ABSNET), with the necessary knowledge and skills for disaster response.

“Today, we gather again, united by a shared purpose: to enhance our readiness and response mechanisms in the face of disasters. This training marks a significant step forward as we focus on incorporating disaster policies into the respective operational manuals of SWDAs. By doing so, we not only strengthen our organizational preparedness but also reaffirm our commitment to the safety, resilience, and well-being of the communities we serve,” Jamora said.

The training program covers a wide range of topics critical to disaster preparedness and management. Key discussions include Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, featuring Republic Act 10121, the Philippine Risk Profile, and the Caraga Risk Profile; Emergency Preparedness and Response; Disaster Recovery and Rehabilitation; Gender and Disaster Risk Reduction; and Psychosocial Support.

With this initiative, SWDAs are expected to enhance their capacities to mobilize resources and personnel during emergencies, establish effective systems for logistics management, and strengthen their overall disaster preparedness mechanisms.