CDP launches DRREAM BIG 2 in Paracale, Camarines Norte

The Center for Disaster Preparedness conducted an Inception Workshop for phase two of the DRREAM BIG project in Paracale, Camarines Norte, yesterday. The one-day workshop, held at Malayan Hotel, in the municipality of Paracale, was attended by thirty-five individuals composed of provincial and municipal office heads and staff, officials of barangay Labnig and Dalnac, teachers from the local elementary and secondary schools, Bureau of Fire Protection, coast guard, and other sectoral representatives.

The activity served as an orientation on phase 2 of the DRREAM BIG project, a two-year undertaking funded by UNICEF and implemented by CDP. The activity had several objectives, namely; to develop a common understanding of child-centered approach to DRRM and sustainable development, to develop an appreciation of the gains and opportunities from DRREAM BIG project’s phase 1 implementation, and to collectively define opportunities for multi-stakeholder collaboration within and after the project period through setting of commitment and formation of a working group.

After the workshop, the body was able to form a technical working group composed of the main stakeholders and partners of the project. Mr. Adel Zamudio, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer of the Municipality of Paracale, was identified as lead convener of the TWG while Mr. Sofio Rieza, principal of Paracale Elementary School, was identified as co-convener. The TWG was also able to set the schedule for the first technical working group meeting in February to discuss the roles and responsibilities of the group and develop a draft of the terms of reference.

In his closing remarks, MDRRMO Zamudio thanked CDP and UNICEF for the support and gains acquired from phase 1 of DRREAM BIG. He stated that phase 2 of DRREAM BIG is a good opportunity for further capacity-building such as developing the water sanitation and hygiene of the municipality, and he expressed his hope that the results of the project will be replicated in the remaining 25 barangays in Paracale.