Lahat kabahagi!
To upscale the capacity of local government units, disabled people's organizations (DPOs), teachers and academicians, and children and youth have converged to discuss disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction through a thematic training initiated by the Center for Disaster Preparedness, Plan-Philippines and the City Government of Valenzuela dubbed as, "Ikaw, ako, tayo: lahat kabahagi rito," on January 19-20.
Attended by more than 60 LGU representatives, persons with disabilities, teachers, barangay representatives, children and youth, and partners from QCDRRMO and SJCDRRMO, the two-day training seeks to orient the participants on DIDRR, and to formulate action plans to develop a more inclusive DRRM and Contingency plans in Valenzuela city.
Ms. Kristina Ramos of City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) explains in her discussion in sensitization that persons with disabilities have varying needs especially in times of flooding and other hazards. "In times of evacuation, their needs must be recognized. For example, rescuers must consider carrying assistive devices when they rescue those who have mobility impairments," she says and discusses the importance of sensitivity.
Mr. Gerry Quijada, project coordinator of Plan-Philippines, challenges the participants to be more proactive in DRR. "We need to continue working to ensure the safety of our constituents in Valenzuela," he stresses.
This undertaking is one of the city-level thematic trainings initiated by the project, "Strengthening Resilience to Disasters among Targetted Vulnerable Urban Poor Communities in Manila," a joint project of CDP, Plan, and the city governments of San Juan, Quezon City, and Valenzuela supported by the Australian government.