Ilocos Norte hosts North Luzon disaster preparedness training

To strengthen community resilience and equip stakeholders with critical disaster response skills, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) hosted the Agents for Risk and Damage Management (AGRIDAM) Community-Based Training for Trainers, at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, Laoag City, on January 23.

Organized by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon led by Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela V. Remigio, and in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the training was designed to enhance the disaster preparedness skills of 1,800 barangay officials and civic volunteers from 45 towns across Region I, II, and the Cordillera Administrative Region. 

Barangay officials and civic volunteers completed the 5-day training program, which aimed to upskill local officials in disaster and risk reduction management.

The participants received workshops on emergency response coordination, disaster risk reduction planning, first aid and rescue operations, and community-based early warning systems. The training also emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in disaster management to ensure a swift and effective response to natural calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, and flooding.

In his message, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc expressed his support, stating:

“We support all barangay workers, and please remember that what you are doing matters. That is why you should be equipped, rewarded, and capacitated in every way. There are lives in your hands kaya it is imperative to be truly prepared. We thank you, our barangay personnel and first responders, and rest assured that you will always be welcome in Ilocos Norte.”

Meanwhile, OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno delivered the message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr:

“Adhering to the principle of a whole-of-society approach, let us further strengthen our collaborative efforts to achieve our common goal of a truly disaster-resilient community. With every step we take, we ensure that our region remains strong and prepared for whatever challenges the future may bring.”

The AGRIDAM Disaster Preparedness Training is in line with Gov. Marcos Manotoc and the Provincial Government’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of disaster resilience across Ilocos Norte. By equipping barangay officials and personnel with essential skills and knowledge to effectively manage and mitigate risks, ensuring a more proactive and coordinated response within their respective communities.