SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 21 (PIA) – The provincial governments of Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Note have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets an alliance promising strengthened collaborative efforts in disaster risk reduction and management. The MOU is an outcome of the “Promoting Local Recovery and Resilience: We Can Project (WCP)”, implemented by Community and Family Services International (CFSI) with support from the Australian Government.
Regularly battered by typhoons and prone to earthquakes and flooding, the three provinces have taken a proactive approach to strengthen the very fabric of their communities against the relentless onslaught of climate-related disasters and extreme weather disturbances. The MOU reinforces their commitment to enhance collaborative efforts towards disaster risk reduction and management, particularly preparedness, response, and recovery.
Maj. Danilo Atienza, Department Head of Southern Leyte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said, “at the outset, the tripartite partnership of provinces stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the Provinces of Surigao Del Norte, Southern Leyte and Dinagat Island had paved its way to a better interoperability of coordination and collaboration in our advocacy towards achieving a resilient community by reducing the level of vulnerabilities and risks of hazards. The MoU is a transparent manifestation that in our collaborative efforts in attaining a safe and secured environment has no political boundaries as such this will enhance effective disaster response and recovery undertakings. The collaboration and coordination in disaster risk reduction, and managing efforts within respective jurisdictions stipulated in the MoU is imperative for both Parties to have a more established relationships regarding disaster risk reduction and climate change adaption. The five important components of partnership on information sharing, capacity building, joint projects, mutual assistance and review and evaluation have its own potential elements that would ensure resiliency and strengthening the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities in combating the adverse impact of disaster events. It is with high hopes that this tripartite engagement will prosper and sustain until we achieve our end goal which is a safe and peaceful communities and sustainable environment”.
The MOU is also consistent with R.A. 9729 “Climate Change Act” and R.A. 10121 “Disaster Risk Reduction Management”, both of which provide a comprehensive, multi-sectoral, and community-based approach to disaster risk management. This initiative is a positive step forward in ensuring that these policies can be realized at the provincial level.
The We Can Project aims to strengthen the capacity of various local actors, including government units, to promote protection, resilience, and the sustainable recovery of 6,000 households (30,000 persons) affected by Super Typhoon Odette. It has four main objectives: 1) climate-resilient, sustainable livelihoods are helping to meet basic household expenses; 2) local disaster risk reduction efforts are enabling communities to reduce vulnerability to future shocks; 3) state-mandated social protection programmes are benefitting qualified project participants; and 4) community-based mental health and psychosocial support systems are strengthened.
The ‘We Can Project’ is not just about rebuilding houses; it is about rebuilding lives. The WCP works directly with communities and local stakeholders to capacitate and empower those affected by typhoons and other shocks to take charge of their own recovery, strengthen their resiliency, and reduce community vulnerability.
The WCP is being implemented in the province of Southern Leyte (Maasin City, Municipalities of Pintuyan, Padre Burgos, Sogod, St. Bernard), Dinagat Islands Province (Libjo, Loreto, San Jose, Tubajon), and Surigao City in the Province of Surigao del Norte (San Benito, San Francisco, Burgos, Del Carmen) with a total of 56 barangays selected based on established criteria.
Surigao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Officer Cicero Cosme P. Tripoli emphasized that this collaboration will significantly contribute to the goal of intensifying disaster preparedness—a key focus of Local Chief Executive Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, in his 10-point agenda.
“I am pleased about the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between our province and our neighboring provinces aimed at enhancing our Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) efforts. By working together, we can share resources, expertise, and best practices, ensuring a more resilient future for our communities. I encourage all stakeholders to actively engage in this partnership to maximize its impact. Let us unite in our commitment to safeguard lives and livelihoods.” Tripoli said.
The collaborative agreement established a framework for joint training sessions and disaster preparedness drills. It also created an open channel for real-time communication during emergencies. With this partnership, the three provinces can share resources and strategies to ensure that when calamities strike, they can respond effectively and recover swiftly.
Inspired by the diversity of experiences and shared commitment, the three provinces laid down the groundwork for programs that would empower local communities and strategies on building resilient infrastructures, early warning systems, and sustainable farming practices became the highlights of the new collaborative agenda.
More than just a document; this collaboration is a testament to the power of collaboration, a beacon of hope for communities that have endured unimaginable hardships. It is a promise that even in the face of adversity, these provinces are united in their resiliency, and together, “We Can” overcome any challenge. (Susil D. Ragas-PIA Surigao del Norte)
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This Press Release was developed through a collaborative effort between PIA Surigao del Norte and CFSI.