By Nimfa Estrellado Mayor Esee Ruzol and his team meet with local officials and partner agencies to enhance disaster preparedness in General...
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| Mayor Esee Ruzol and his team meet with local officials and partner agencies to enhance disaster preparedness in General Nakar. (Photo from General Nakar LGU) |
GENERAL NAKAR, Quezon – General Nakar is taking a proactive approach to disaster resilience, recognizing the importance of both technology and community engagement. Under the leadership of Mayor Esee Ruzol, the municipality recently partnered with Databridge to implement the Comprehensive Household Information System (CHIS), a cutting-edge application designed to revolutionize data collection.
"In a world increasingly vulnerable to disasters, we must be prepared," stated Mayor Ruzol. "CHIS provides us with a powerful tool to gather the critical information we need to safeguard our community." This initiative coincided with a comprehensive three-day training program for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), further demonstrating their commitment to disaster preparedness.
CHIS promises to transform data management at the barangay level, even in areas with limited internet connectivity. This system empowers local government to gather vital information on households, from basic demographics to detailed family profiles. Beyond this, CHIS will facilitate the collection of crucial data related to reproductive health, child nutrition, and pre-disaster risk assessment.
This comprehensive data will be invaluable in developing effective disaster preparedness and response strategies. With CHIS, General Nakar aims to significantly enhance its capacity to analyze community needs, develop targeted plans, and expedite response efforts during emergencies. "We cannot afford to be reactive in the face of disaster," Mayor Ruzol emphasized.
"CHIS allows us to be proactive, to anticipate needs, and to respond swiftly and effectively when emergencies arise." Expanding on their collaborative efforts, the municipality also explored a partnership with A Single Drop for Safe Water Inc., led by Databridge Executive Director Kevin Lee. This collaboration aims to expand Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs within the community.
This initiative further solidifies General Nakar's dedication to comprehensive disaster preparedness. Key attendees at the meeting included various local government officials and stakeholders, highlighting the municipality's commitment to inclusive planning.
EOC Training Reinforces Disaster Preparedness
Complementing these technological advancements, General Nakar recently conducted an intensive three-day Emergency Operations Center (EOC) training program. This training, held in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Office of the Civil Defense CALABARZON, focused on equipping local officials and partner agencies with the skills to effectively coordinate and respond to disasters.
"Our commitment to disaster resilience goes beyond technology," added Mayor Ruzol. "We must also invest in the training and skills development of our personnel to ensure they are prepared to lead and respond effectively in times of crisis." Designed to strengthen capacity and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens, the training addressed key aspects of disaster response as mandated by Republic Act 10121, the Philippine DRRM Act of 2010.
Participants engaged in sessions led by experts from PDRRMO Quezon Province, covering topics ranging from EOC legal frameworks and facility design to communication requirements and information management. The training provided a comprehensive overview of establishing and managing an effective EOC. It offered valuable insights into best practices for emergency operations center management.
Participants gained a thorough understanding of EOC operations, from legal and technical aspects to practical strategies for handling various crisis situations. Further sessions delved into EOC Information Management and the EOC Planning Process, allowing participants to explore these critical areas in greater depth.
By strategically combining data-driven initiatives like CHIS with comprehensive training programs like the EOC training, General Nakar is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to building a more resilient and responsive community. This multi-faceted approach underscores their dedication to proactive disaster preparedness and the well-being of their citizens.
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