In a significant step toward strengthening partnerships, DSWD Field Office Caraga Director Mari-Flor Dollaga met with DILG Caraga Director Maria Loisella Lucino and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga on January 15, 2025.

 

The meeting focused on addressing the challenges DSWD employees face in high-risk areas, particularly those involved in disaster response and field operations.

 

In response to these challenges, DSWD presented the importance of securing proper compensation for employees who face hazards in their line of duty. Director Lucino expressed her support for the initiative, recognizing the crucial role DSWD personnel play in delivering aid and services during disasters and other emergencies.

The meeting concluded with both directors reaffirming their commitment to enhancing coordination and support for frontline workers in high-risk areas. By strengthening their collaboration, DSWD and DILG aim to ensure that personnel are better equipped to handle the demands of disaster response, ultimately improving the delivery of services to communities in need.

 

Meanwhile, during the meeting with the Office of the Civil Defense Caraga, the response efforts of Field Office Caraga were discussed. Dir. Dollaga emphasized the office’s commitment to ensuring the effective delivery of services while prioritizing the welfare of its employees.

 

OCD Caraga Officer-in-Charge Lorene Sia-Catedral commended DSWD for its proactive efforts, recognizing the agency’s key role in enhancing disaster response effectiveness.

 

Moreover, Diana Lim, Operations Section Chief of OCD Caraga, highlighted the success of the harmonized disaster response reporting protocols and procedures—an initiative led by FO Caraga. She noted that the system has significantly improved situational awareness and streamlined decision-making during emergencies, and is now actively used by local government units.

 

The collaborative efforts of DSWD, DILG, and OCD Caraga are a pivotal step toward addressing the challenges faced by frontline workers in disaster-prone regions. With a shared commitment to employee welfare, improved coordination, and innovative reporting systems, the agencies aim to strengthen disaster response capabilities and ensure the effective delivery of services to vulnerable communities.