Ayala Foundation marks a milestone in its disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) program as it holds its biggest DRRM education seminar to date.
The foundation organized a three-day upskilling seminar entitled ‘Maging Handa’ for 250 disaster responders in the coastal city of Borongan, Eastern Samar. The seminar is Ayala Foundation’s 4th DRRM community-based delivery, bringing the total number of trained responders to 650 spanning Batangas, Agusan del Norte, Cagayan de Oro, and Eastern Samar.
The participants, who included teachers, school staff, students, uniformed personnel, and barangay tanods, experienced hands-on training to prepare for and respond to different emergency situations.
The Maging Handa team was warmly welcomed by local government officials led by Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, City Information Office Head Rupert Ambil II, and City DRRM head Engr. Jaime Voces.
“I am so happy that finally, Ayala Foundation, nakita ninyo ang pangangailangan namin,” said Mayor Agda, noting the multiple hazards faced by the city during the seminar’s opening ceremony held on October 3 at the People’s Center in Brgy. Songco. “I would like to express my waray nga katapusan nga pasasalamat sa Ayala Foundation”
“In 2013, when Yolanda struck our province, it’s sad to know that the municipalities of Guian, Salcedo, Mercedes, Quinapondan, Giporlos, Balangiga, and Lawaan — and then going to western Samar – Basey and Tacloban – they were the hardly hit LGUs (local government units) during that time. Pasalamat tayong Boronganon because we are not directly hit nung time na ‘yun. Be that as it may, kailangan maging laging handa,” he added.
Renowned emergency preparedness expert Dr. Ted Esguerra and Wilderness Search and Rescue (WISAR) instructor Buboy Lagunday kicked off the learning sessions with lessons on what to do during earthquakes and flooding. Esguerra also discussed self-rescue in case of a motorcycle accident, as these vehicles are a common means of transport in the area.
Day two began with Ambil sharing the importance of documenting and reporting accurate information in times of disasters, drawing on his two decades of experience as a journalist.
Next, Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Carina Dayondon shared her stories of resilience and determination as she overcame numerous physical, emotional, and financial challenges to conquer the highest mountain on every continent and become the first Filipina to reach the Seven Summits.
Simultaneously, at the Canuctan Hall of Eastern Samar State University, 50 health workers underwent training on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) Mental Health Program Lead Dr. Dinah Nadera underscored the importance of psychosocial support as the incidence of mental health disorders doubles after emergencies.
To wrap up the two days of lectures, Esguerra led a circle of fellowship, and noted the important role each participant plays not only in helping their communities in the field of DRRM but in building the nation.
On the last day of the seminar, the team witnessed a community-wide evacuation simulation in Brgy. San Gabriel. Local officials, led by the barangay DRRM office, showcased their ability to successfully conduct the evacuation of 150 families in the face of a strong typhoon with flooding.
Finally, the team concluded its visit to the Eastern Samar capital by distributing books, Philippine flags, and galvanized iron (GI) sheets to the local elementary school. San Gabriel Elementary School staff welcomed the donation on World Teachers’ Day noting that the roofing materials would be used to renovate the school mini gym.
“Ayala Foundation is grateful to Mayor Agda and the local government of Borongan for giving us the opportunity to help enhance the skills of our community responders. This partnership strengthens our conviction that we can create a disaster-resilient Philippines,” said Ayala Foundation President Tony Lambino. For decades, Ayala Foundation has implemented disaster resilience initiatives together with local government and private sector partners. Hewing close to the recommendations of the Philippine Development Plan (2023–2028) and the internationally recognized Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Ayala Foundation’s DRRM program is guided by a framework that covers Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Rehabilitation and Recovery (Building Back Better).
About Ayala Foundation
As the social development arm of the Ayala group of companies, Ayala Foundation envisions communities where people are creative, productive, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino. Ayala Foundation is committed to community development, working closely with communities in identifying compelling developmental needs and providing suitable solutions with measurable outcomes. It implements programs under the following themes: Education, Sustainable Livelihood, and Love of Country.
Ayala Foundation welcomes partnerships to help improve lives of people in communities. If you wish to support our programs, visit https://donate.ayalafoundation.org.