More social workers trained on disaster response

CEBU, Philippines - Over 50 social workers and relief workers from the different disaster-prone cities and towns in Central Visayas participated in the recent training-workshop on disaster operations, monitoring and reporting spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in its field office here in the city.

The training equipped the participants on disaster management and capacitated the service providers in assisting individuals and families, who are victims of disasters, more efficiently and effectively.

Training participants in this three-day workshop included key players in the different levels of disaster operations from the Quick Action and Response Team, Crisis Intervention Unit, and Social Welfare and Development Teams in all the four provinces and key cities in the region.

Interesting topics were discussed such as understanding the Philippine and regional disaster situations and management system, viewing and analysis on the effects of global warming, application of rapid damage assessment and needs analysis tools, and disaster response planning and reporting.

The activity also included topics on understanding the triggers of disasters, operating procedures of QUART, the National Disaster Coordinating Council’s cluster approach in disaster management, guidelines on the interfaith monitoring and distribution of relief goods, and protocol on relief augmentation assistance including the individual action planning.

During the opening program, DSWD regional director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre explained to the participants the value of disaster preparedness and mitigation. She added that disasters happen anytime at any place and to anyone. Those who are in the front line need to be updated on the current trends and technology on disaster management.

Resource persons included Neil Angelo Sanchez from the Office of Civil Defense-7, Rey Martiza from DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center, Grace Yana, specialist on disaster management and emergency assistance; and Belma Rago, chief of the Operations Division of DSWD-7. — MJJBC/PR (THE FREEMAN)