GAZETTEThe Civil Defense

Vol III Issue 42 0 1 5

UN LAUDS PH PREPAREDNESS ON TYPHOON LANDO

Asia-Pacifi c Leaders Adopt Disaster Risk Reduction Framework

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE

Offi cial Publication ofOFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICEOffi ce of Civil Defense

Department of National DefenseCamp General Emilio Aguinaldo

Quezon CityEmail us at ocdpao@gmail.com

Call us at (02) 961 6314

UNISDR Lauds PH Preparedness on TY Lando

PH Holds Bilateral Meetings on DRR

APEC Leaders Adopt DRR Framework

OCD Leads APEC Emergency Preparedness

PH Observes International, ASEAN DRR Days

NDRRMC Starts Gawad Kalasag Search

Oplan Metro Yakal Plus Launch

Civil Defense Across The Nation

Central Offi ce Events

Awareness and Preparedness

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Contents

Editor’s NoteThe year 2015 ushers in developments in the fi eld of disaster risk reduction (DRR). In March, the Philippine delegates to the World Conference on DRR helped in framing new goals, targets and priorities in reducing risks and building resilience around the world. The resulting Sendai Framework on DRR (2015 to 2030) replaces the Hyogo Framework for Action as standards in DRR.

In October, the UNISDR Chief praised the country’s preparations for Typhoon Lando. The utilization of Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment in assessing Lando’s possible impacts proved effective in planning government actions, and in identifying the areas where these actions should be implemented. Despite the occurence of storm surges, fl oods and landslides, the large-scale evacuation resulted in reduced number of casualties.

In September, the 9th Senior Disaster Management Offi cials’ Forum endorsed the Asia Pacifi c Economic Cooperation (APEC) Disaster Risk Reduction Framework, which aims to facilitate collective work in building adaptive and disaster-resilient economies in the face of the “new normal”. This Framework was adopted by APEC Economic Leaders during their Meeting in Manila on November.

Through all these events, Offi ce of Civil Defense remains, and will continue to be a primary mover as the country’s lead in disaster risk reduction and management.

USEC ALEXANDER P PAMA Publisher

DIR ROMEO F FAJARDODIR LIZA FIDELIS F CAÑADA

Advisory Board

ROMINA B MARASIGANEditor-in-Chief

SUSANA G JUANGCOSUSAN E QUIAMBAO

Associate Editors

NOEL H MAPALOMARK CASHEAN E TIMBALKARLA MINORKA M ALDEA

Staff Writers

ADELUISA E KAWAHARASAKIGraphic Artist

FRED A ABUDA JRPhotographer

TASHUANA ALEMANIAREY EZEKIEL BARBASAFRANZES IVY CARASIKAREN ROSE CIMENI

MC ADRIAN NOUVE COBEROJENNIFER CORACERO

DIANE HENIE DEL ROSARIOJEFFERSON BENEDICT ESTALILLA

MONALISA FAJARDOEMPRESS JARAMILLO

GILMHAR LAORACHELLE ANNE MIRANDA

CHERRY MAE NARANJOJONA ORPILLA

KORNESSA PARASHAYDEE REYES

APRIL ROSE ANNE SANCHEZTITUS VELEZ

DAN MICHAEL VILLAMILContributors

The CIVIL DEFENSE

GAZETTE

The head of the UN Offi ce for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), Margareta Wahlström praised the Philippines for its successful actions to reduce mortality and the number of people affected by Typhoon Lando (International Name: Koppu) despite the occurence of storm surges, heavy rains, fl oods and landslides.

“The communication of early warnings in the Philippines has improved signifi cantly since Typhoon Haiyan claimed over 6,000 lives in November 2013. Last December, major loss of life was averted by large-scale evacuations in the face of Typhoon Hagupit. Now again this weekend, government agencies have been successful in reducing loss of life through the effective communication of early warnings and organizing targeted evacuations in the areas most affected by Typhoon Koppu,” Wahlström said in her statement released on 19 October.

Wahlström particularly emphasized the televised address to the nation of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on 16 October 2015 as ‘especially important in alerting the population to the threats’ of the typhoon.

“I call on all Filipinos to avoid panicking. Let us prepare as we should—monitor the news, and understand the warnings issued by national and local governments, from storm signals, rainfall warnings, storm surge advisories, and advisories regarding the necessary evacuations if needed,” read the translated message of President Aquino.

“You can rest assured that, through the leadership of the NDRRMC and its Executive Director, Undersecretary Alexander P Pama, coordination continues among different government agencies, along with those from the private sector such as telecommunications and oil companies,” Aquino’s statement further said.

To ensure country’s preparedness, Undersecretary Pama called for a series of Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) Meetings for the TY Lando which entered the Philippine area of responsibility on 14 October.

PDRA is a process to evaluate a given hazard’s characteristics

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and its possible impacts to the populace. It further determines the appropriate level of response and corresponding actions of concerned agencies, local government units and other stakeholders. The adoption of PDRA as government tool is aimed at ensuring that the level of preparations matches the level of risks that hazards pose to a community.

Given Lando’s threats of storm surges, fl oods and landslides, large-scale evacuation of vulnerable communities were implemented to put people out of harm’s way. By the time of Lando’s landfall on the morning of 18 October 2015, an estimated 700,000 individuals were being served in evacuation centers.

UNISDR CHIEF LAUDS PH PREPAREDNESSON TYPHOON LANDO

by Noel Mapalo

President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) meeting on the government’s preparations on Tropical Cyclone Lando at the President’s Hall in Malacañang Palace on 16 October 2015. The Chief Executive also issued a televised directive to local government units and the general public to prepare for the impact of Lando. (NDRRMC Meeting Photos by Benhur Arcayan and Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Republic of Korea President Park Geun-hye during the expanded bilateral meeting at the Sofi tel Philippine Plaza Hotel on 18 November 2015, at the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Manila. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

The Philippines through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Chile for cooperation in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) on 16 November 2015 at the Malacañan Palace.

This partnership will focus on the exchange of knowledge and experiences through experts and professionals as well as the conduct of exercises in early warning information, public policies on disaster mitigation and the promotion of inter-economic cooperation for DRRM.

In this agreement, the Philippines will share its experiences and expertise on preparing and responding to hydro-meteorological hazards as well as the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) system. Chile will be sharing its systems and best practices in geologic hazard preparedness and response.

NDRRMC Chairperson and Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T. Gazmin signed the MOU with Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz Valenzuela. President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet witnessed the signing ceremony and are joined by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, NDRRMC Executive Director and Civil Defense Administartor Undersecretary Alexander P Pama, as well as key offi cials and representatives from the Philippine Government and the Chilean delegation.

The MOU signing ceremony is one of the highlights of the State Visit to the Philippines of Chilean President Michele Bachelet which coincided with the APEC Economic Leaders Summit.

Bilateral Meetings

Undersecretary Pama joined the bilateral meetings between the Philippines, the Republic of Korea

and the Government of Canada to discuss further cooperation in DRRM on 18 November 2015 al the Sofi tel Philippine Plaza.

Usec Pama joined President Aquino and other Philippine offi cials to discuss key economic and partnership issues with President Park Geun Hye and the delegation of the Republic of Korea, and with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the delegation from the Government of Canada.

“We would like to convey once more to our friends in the Republic of Korea and the Government of Canada our profound gratitude for their invaluable assistance to our people during those diffi cult times after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda,” Usec Pama said.

It can be recalled that the Republic of Korea and the Government of Canada conducted humanitarian and disaster relief operations in areas ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013.

PH INKS MOU WITH CHILE ON DRRUsec Pama Joins Meetings with South Korea and Canada

by Mark Cashean Timbal

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet, President of the Republic of Chile, witness the signing of agreements at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit to the Philippines on 16 November 2015. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

The Asia Pacifi c Economic Cooperation (APEC) formally adopted the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Framework to facilitate collective work in building adaptive and disaster-resilient economies supporting inclusive and sustainable development in the face of the “new normal”.

The 23rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Declaration themed Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World: A Vision for an Asia-Pacifi c Community, was issued at the closing of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Manila on 18-19 November 2015. The Declaration recognized the emergence of the “new normal” and its impact on economies.

“We recognize that our region, located in the Pacifi c Ring of Fire, is particularly vulnerable and exposed to disasters. We face typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, rising sea levels, and pandemics,

the impacts of which are magnifi ed by our densely populated cities. It has become a “new normal” for us to face natural disasters of increasing frequency, magnitude and scope, and their resulting disruption of the increasingly integrated and interlinked production and supply chains,” read the Declaration.

The Economic Leaders also instructed the Ministers to craft an action plan in 2016 to operationalize the APEC DRR Framework and renew existing efforts such as business continuity planning, strengthening early warning systems, search and rescue, post-disaster recovery, promoting appropriate donations, and enhancing capacity building.

In his statement before the international media on 19 November 2015, APEC 2015 Chairperson and Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III highlights the importance of the Framework in building resilient economy.

“The Disaster Risk Reduction Framework recognizes the impact of climate change on our region. This framework aims to minimize losses and promote best practices so that we can build back better,” said President Aquino.

In her letter to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRMC) Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Alexander P Pama, APEC Business Advisory Council 2015 Chair Doris Magsaysay Ho expressed her gratitude to NDRRMC.

“The APEC Disaster Risk Reduction Framework is a legacy document that we can all be proud of in the many years to come,” Magsaysay Ho further said.

The Framework was endorsed by the 9th Senior Disaster Management Offi cials’ Forum in September 2015, an event hosted by the NDRRMC through the Offi ce of Civil Defense.

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APEC ECONOMIC LEADERS ADOPT DISASTER RISK REDUCTION FRAMEWORK

by Noel Mapalo

(Photo by Robert Vinas/Malacañang Photo Bureau)

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After almost two decades, the Philippines once again took pride in hosting the 2015 Asia Pacifi c Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. Leaders, senior offi cials, top businessmen and industry experts from the 21 member economies came to the Philippines with the hope of attaining a common goal. Throughout the year, APEC meetings and forums were held in various parts of the country. Filipino hospitality was showcased in these high-profi le events. Economic leaders and senior offi cials were housed in world-class hotels and renowned designers created local souvenirs and clothing for all the delegates. Traffi c management and security procedures were planned in detail.

Under the Committee on Security, Peace and Order, the Joint Task Group on Emergency Preparedness (JTGEP) was created and mandated on the consequence management efforts in the event of terrorist attacks, rallies and natural and human-induced disasters during the APEC Summit. Dir. Romeo F Fajardo, Offi ce of Civil Defense (OCD) Deputy Administrator acted as the task group commander while other representatives from the NDRRMC member agencies composed two Task Groups (TGs) and nine Sub-Task Groups (STGs).

During the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM) on 18-19 November 2015, JTGEP deployed its resources at the staging areas for venues, routes and billets. A total of 2,265 personnel were deployed in fi ve areas where APEC

delegates stayed. Also, there were 172 transportation equipment deployed. JTGEP also organized a National Incident Management Team (NIMT) which is responsible for the emergency preparedness activities and direct consequence management at engagement areas. The JTGEP also deployed personnel during the APEC Ministerial Meetings, Senior Offi cials Meetings, Technical Working Group Meetings and related events held in Bacolod, Bataan, Boracay, Cebu, Clark, Iloilo, Laoag, Manila, Pampanga and Tagaytay.

With the help of the NDRRMC member agencies, local government

OCD LEADS APEC JOINT TASK GROUP ONEMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

by Karla Minorka Aldea

units and private establishments in accordance to “Whole of the Nation” approach, no major untoward incidents were monitored by the JTGEP. There were a few minor medical emergencies which immediately attended to in the established Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Staging Areas.

In general, the APEC JTGEP was able to deploy suffi cient number of emergency responders which ensured the safety and provided emergency response coverage for the delegates during the 44 events held in the country’s hosting of APEC 2015. (With reports from OCD Operations Division)

Civil Defense Deputy Administrator Director Romeo F Fajardo presides the meeting of Joint Task Group on Emergency Preparedness at the Orchids Garden Hotel on 14 November 2015. The Joint Task Group works under the APEC 2015 Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and is mandated to ensure government’s readiness to respond to emergencies during the conduct of APEC related meetings in the country and the APEC Leaders Summit in Manila.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council through the Offi ce of Civil Defense leads the observance of International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) back-to-back with the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management (ADDM) on 13 October 2015 at the AFP Commissioned Offi cers’ Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“This year’s celebration centers on the value of harmonizing indigenous and traditional knowledge with the scientifi c method. Our IPs are living epitomes of the importance of local knowledge and community level engagement in DRR,” says NDRRMC Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Alexander P Pama.Dr Emmanuel M Luna, a professor of Community Development at the University of the Philippines – Diliman discussed the Overview of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Role in DRRM. Also, IP Community Leaders shared their knowledge and practices in DRRM.

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This year’s celebration of the IDDR has the global strap line “Knowledge for Life”. The focus is on the traditional, indigenous and local knowledge which complement modern science and add to an

individual’s and societies’ resilience.Moreover, the ADDM’s regional campaign is “ASEAN is Resilient as One”. This reinforces ASEAN‘s joint efforts as One Community to address the interlocking issues of natural disasters and climate change. The word “One” also represents the spirit of collaborative work among various stakeholders in ASEAN, envisioning a “Community that is inclusive, sustainable, resilient, dynamic, and engages and benefi ts the people”.

The IDDR started in 1989 with the approval of the United Nations General Assembly. It is a way to promote a global culture of disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness. The 13th day of October is the designated date to celebrate IDDR.

PH OBSERVES INTERNATIONAL, ASEAN DAYSOF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

by Mina Marasigan

Leaders from various Indigenous Peoples group share their knowledge and experience during the observance of the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) and ASEAN Day for Disaster Management (ADDM) on 13 October 2015 at the AFP Commissioned Offi cers’ Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. This year’s observance focused on the Role of Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge in Disaster Risk Reduction.

NDRRMC Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator addresses the audience during the opening ceremonies for the observance of International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) and ASEAN Day for Disaster Management (ADDM) on 13 October 2015 at the AFP Commissioned Offi cers’ Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

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NDRRMC STARTS NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE IN DRRM

by Monique Raizza Jacob

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) through National Search Committee (NSC) has started the quest for 17th National Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance dubbed KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan or Gawad KALASAG.

The Gawad KALASAG validation of entries kicked-off on 2 November 2015 with National Validating Teams deployed to various parts of the country to assess the contenders nominated by their respective Regional DRRM Councils. The teams were composed of personnel from Offi ce of Civil Defense (OCD) and representatives from NDRRMC Member Agencies.

Gawad KALASAG is awarded to local government units, civil society organizations, private sectors and other institutions for their remarkable

achievements, best practices and initiatives that uplift the standards of DRRM and humanitarian assistance in the country. It also aims to appreciate groups or individuals which have shown extraordinary courage, heroism and sacrifi ce in times of disasters.

This year, more than 162 entries from across the country are vying for the national titles at stake including seven (7) Best Local DRRM Councils and Committees; one (1) Best Civil Society Organization (CSO); and eleven (11) Private and Volunteer Organizations, Government Emergency Response Management, Schools and Hospitals categories.

San Juan Day Care Center in Bobon, Northern Samar is a furst time contender in the Early Learning Center (Rural) Category. A fi rst time contender. Offi cials presented their efforts including the participation of parents in seminars for disaster preparedness and many others.

The City of Bislig, a contender in the City DRRM Council (Component City) Category was assessed by a team composed of personnel from OCD, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines. The city showcased their operations center, equipment for emergency and disaster response, as well as their core shelters.

The Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, an entry to the Best Hospital (Government National) Category, was also visited for validation. The hospital showcased improvements in their facilities, structure, equipment and DRRM programs.

Since its inception in 1998, the Gawad KALASAG award has been bestowed to 120 Local DRRMCs, 42 CSOs, 24 individuals and 119 schools and other institutions. Sixteen winners, which already won in three consecutive years, were also elevated to the Hall of Fame.

Members of National Validating Teams inspect equipment of a Gawad Kalasag contender in the Hospital (Government National) Category of the annual search for excellence in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and humanitarian assisstance.

Teachers and pre-schoolers evacuate the classroom after demonstrating the duck cover and hold technique. The school is an entry to the Early Learning Center (Rural) Category of the National Search of Gawad Kalasag.

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OPLAN METRO YAKAL PLUSFOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

by Mark Cashean TimbalThe Philippine Government, Australian Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the Metro Manila Earthquake Contingency Plan or “Oplan Metro Yakal Plus” and handed over multi-hazard maps to the 17 cities and four provinces of the Greater Metro Manila Area (GMMA) in Novotel Manila, Araneta Center, Quezon City on 18 December 2015.

Present at the launch were Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell, Climate Change Commission Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman, UNDP Philippines Country Director Titon Mitra, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Emerson Carlos, Metro Manila local government executives and technical offi cers, and members of the Collective Strengthening on Community Awareness on Natural Disasters (CSCAND) agencies.

The Oplan Metro Yakal Plus, an enhanced version of the Oplan Metro Yakal and uses data from the updated West Valley Fault System Atlas, is an integrated contingency plan for earthquake and related geological hazards. It is an operational plan that anticipates what could happen if a 7.2 magnitude earthquake strikes along the West Valley Fault, including associated threats of landslides, rupture, liquefaction, or tsunami. It also outlines the response measures that will be carried out prior to and immediately after a hazard strikes, as well as the roles and responsibilities of members and partners of the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The Oplan Metro Yakal Plus and the multi-hazard maps were developed under the GMMA-READY Project that aims to decrease the vulnerability of communities in the GMMA to natural hazards. The Project also aims to increase resilience by strengthening the institutional capacities of local governments, technical agencies, academic institutions and civil society organizations to manage disaster and climate change risks.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell said, “Australia is pleased to have supported the Philippine Government in its commitment to provide credible, comprehensive and accurate disaster information and encouraged to make this available and accessible not only to local governments and communities, but also to the private sector, non-government organizations and academe.”

UNDP Country Director Titon Mitra commended the Philippine Government and the local government units for this innovative approach, emphasizing that “this aptly demonstrated the importance of a cohesive and risk-informed blueprint for disaster preparedness and response among contiguous cities and municipalities sharing common risks.”

GMMA Ready is a partnership among the Australian Government,UNDP, the Offi ce of Civil Defense, and the CSCAND agencies. Other partners of the project are the Climate Change Commission, the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board and the Metro Manila Development Authority. The Project has been instrumental in building the capacities and preparedness of the local governments by defi ning roles of each sector for better coordination and fast relief and rescue operations once a major earthquake strikes.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista receives copies of the hazards maps during the Launcing of Oplan Metro Yakal Plus, Knowledge Management-Community of Practice Website and Hazard Maps Turnover on 18 December 2015 at the Novotel Manila, Araneta Center, Quezon City. Oplan Metro Yakal Plus and the hazard maps were developed under the GMMA READY Project.

Photos from top: President Benigno Simeon Aquino III presides the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Meeting on 16 October 2015 at the Malacanan Palace to check on preparations for Typhoon Lando; NDRRMC Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator Alexander P Pama leads the conduct of Pre Disaster Risk Assessment; and NDRRMC offi cials meet with local government leaders in Casiguran, Aurora to coordinate response and recovery efforts on the ground. Background: Aerial photo of fl ooded areas in Central Luzon.

“Government agencies have been successful in reducing loss of life through the effective

communication of early warnings and organizing targeted evacuations in the areas

most affected by Typhoon Koppu (Lando).”

“The Philippines is the most storm-exposed country in the world and its expertise in

disaster risk management can be usefully adopted by other countries trying to implement

the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction adopted in March this year as a

global blueprint for reducing disaster losses.”

MARGARETA WAHLSTROM United Nation’s Special Representative

for Disaster Risk Reduction

OCD I Conducts Basic ICS for DOH Regional Offi ce I

Personnel from Department of Health (DOH) and Provincial Health Offi ces in Region 1 undergo workshops during the three-day basic Incident Command System (ICS) training. More than 40 personnel participated in the training held in Ridgewood Residences. Participants from DOH will become members of the Incident Management Team of Region 1 after fi nishing the other training courses of ICS namely, Integrated Planning, Position and All-Hazard Course. (Mike Aldrin T Sabado)

OCD I Goes for Evacuation Operation during TY Lando

Local responders from the Philippine Coast Guard work together to evacuate residents of Pangasinan during the onslaught of TY Lando. OCD Region 1 conducted an aerial inspection in Pangasinan on 21 October 2015 and discovered large amount of water stacked in the mountains and caused fl ash fl oods in the western part of Pangasinan. (Mike Aldrin T Sabado)

OCD II Takes Part in the Region’s IP Summit

OCD II Regional Director Norma C Talosig speaks during the 2015 Indigenous People’s (IPs) Summit in observance of the 18th year of Indigenous Peoples Rights Act in Highlander Hotel, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya on 5 November 2015. In her message, she emphasized the need for empowering and capacitating the IPs in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples organized the event with the theme. (Dan Michael Villamil)

OCD II Facilitates Storm Surge Drill

Responders from the Municipal DRRM Council of Gonzaga Cagayan assists the residents of Brgy. Caroan during the storm surge drill held on 27 November 2015. All 800 residents participated in the said activity which aims to capacitate the local community and equip them with proper knowledge on pre-emptive evacuation in cases of storm surge. Before the drill, the training section of OCD II conducted an orientation to emphasize the difference between tsunami and storm surge. (Dan Michael Villamil)

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CIVIL DEFENSE ACROSS THE NATION

OCD III Deploys IMT in Aurora

Members of the Incident Management Team deployed in Casiguran, Aurora meet for the establishment of Incident Command Post and Emergency Operations Center on 22 October 2015. After the on slaught of Typhoon Lando, personnel from OCD III and member agencies were deployed under TY Lando Task Force Ground Zero on 22-28 October 2015. Incident Commander Col. Danilo Florentino led the Regional IMT in coordination with DSWD as the Response Cluster Head. (Haydee Reyes)

OCD CALABARZON Facilitates Contingency Planning Formulation Workshop

Participants pay attention to OCD CALABARZON Regional Director Vicente Tomazar during the Contingency Planning Formulation Workshop in Calamba City. The 3-day workshop aimed to draft contingency plans for the municipalities of Noveleta, Cavite & Los Baños, Laguna on the different hazards. The objective of the workshop is to capacitate the LGUs and develop commitment and cooperation for DRRM. (Jennifer O Coracero)

OCD CALABARZON Partakes in Tourism Summit

Regional Director Vicente F Tomazar speaks in Department of Tourism’s 1st Regional Tourism Summit at Summit Ridge Hotel, Tagaytay City on 27 November 2015, with the theme, “Strengthening Partnership to a Vibrant and Responsible Tourism”. Dir. Tomazar, in his presentation on “Emergency Response in Tourism”, emphasized the signifi cance of disaster risk reduction and management principles in the tourism industry. (Georgina G Garcia)

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OCD III Facilitates PDNA Training

Participants of the Post Disaster Needs Analysis (PDNA)Training pose with Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino during the courtesy call before the training’s fi eld activity. Twenty-eight participants from the Regional and Local DRRM Councils of Region III joined the 5-day training in Subic International Hotelw on 04-09 October 2015. Personnel from the OCD Education and Training Division together with OCD X Regional Director Ana E Cañeda, served as speakers for the training. (Diane Del Rosario)

CIVIL DEFENSE ACROSS THE NATION

OCD VI Conducts Community Based DRRM Training of Trainers

Participants from the Regional and Provincial DRRM Councils of Region VI pose during the Community-Based DRRM Training of Trainers on 23-27 November 2015. This training is intended to create a pool of trainers for the region and to ensure that the team will be fully equipped with knowledge and skills in cascading Community-based DRRM. (Cherry Mae D Naranjo)

OCD VII Provides WASAR Training

Rescuers provide Water Search and Rescue Training to the personnel of the LGU and Local DRRM Offi ce of Talisay City at Villa Teresita Resort, Talisay City on 26-30 October 2015. Participants were trained in personal safety and survival, basic life saving techniques, rubber boat assembly and engine operation as well as navigation and maneuver rules. (Tashuana Alemania)

OCD V Forms Bicol Incident Management Team

One of the priority capacity enhancement initiatives of OCD V for 2015 is the formation of an Incident Management Team composed of multiple agencies ready to respond to any emergency and disaster in Bicol. The pooling of qualifi ed instructors or Regional Cadres helped in the institutionalization of Incident Command System in the region. The participants of these trainings were the members of the RDRRMC Response Agencies and Local DRRMOs of the region. (Rachelle Anne L Miranda)

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OCD MIMAROPA Conducts PDRA for TY Nona

OCD MIMAROPA Regional Director Eugene G Cabrera presides over the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) for Typhoon Nona at the Regional DRRM Council Operations Center on 14 December 2015. The Regional DRRM Council members of MIMAROPA attended the PDRA meeting to closely monitor as the possible impact of the typhoon. PDRA is one of the disaster preparedness measures aimed to avert impacts of a hazard. (Jona Orpilla)

CIVIL DEFENSE ACROSS THE NATION

OCD VIII Conducts ICS Integrated Planning Course

Participants of the Incident Command System-Integrated Planning Course pose with OCD VIII Regional Director Edgar L Posadas at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City during the 3-day training held on 19-23 October 2015. Members of the Regional DRRM Council joined the training which aims to equip the DRRM Offi cers with the knowledge and skill to effectively facilitate disaster management in the region. (Rey Ezekiel P Barbasa)

OCD VIII Reviews Regional DRRM Plan

OCD VIII together with Regional DRRM Members put heads together to review and update the Regional DRRM Plan at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City on 26-29 October 2015. Aside from the government agency representatives, participants from the INGOs and NGOs joined the event. The review covered the four thematic areas of DRRM aiming to integrate the region’s experiences, challenges and lessons learned from the devastation brought about by TY Yolanda and Ruby. (Rey Ezekiel P Barbasa)

OCD X Finalizes Proposal for Simultaneous Weather Broadcast for Radio

OCD X and the Regional DRRM Council members lead the Technical Working Group meeting with Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas members in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City at VIP Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City on 4 November 2015. The purpose of the meeting was to draft and fi nalize the proposal for a six hour interval simultaneous radio broadcast hook up during heavy rains and extreme weather. (Titus Velez)

OCD X Gears Up for Undas 2015

OCD X Regional Director Ana C Cañeda presides over the Undas 2015 Preparatory Meeting at VIP Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City on 28 October 2015. The meeting was conducted in preparation for the safe observance of Undas and in order to provide appropriate response to the populace requiring assistance. The DRRM Focal Persons from the different member agencies presented their respective implementation plan. (Titus Velez)

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CIVIL DEFENSE ACROSS THE NATION

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OCD XII Awards Regional Gawad Kalasag Awards

OCD XII awards the Best in Disaster Preparedness during the 2015 Regional Gawad Kalasag Awarding Ceremony in General Santos City on 21 October 2015. Among the LGUs awarded were Sarangani Province, General Santos City, Koronadal City, Municipality of Tupi, Kidapawan City and Isulan City. The event recognizes the accomplishment and efforts of the Local DRRM Councils within the region and excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance. (Jorie Mae E Balmediano)

OCD CARAGA Holds Earthquake and Tsunami Drill

Residents of Brgy. Rizal, Socorro, Siargao Islands perform the duck-cover-and-hold technique during the Earthquake and Tsunami Drill conducted on 14 November 2015. OCD CARAGA facilitated the drill in coordination with BFP, PNP and Provincial DRRM Council of Agusan del Norte. The drill scenario was based on a 7.3 magnitude earthquake which may hit Siargao Islands. (April Ray Sanchez)

OCD CARAGA Facilitates Community-Based DRRM Training

Members of the Provincial DRRM Councils of Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands and Butuan City discuss during the Training of Trainers on Community Based DRRM on 12-16 October 2015. The training aims to organize pool of trainers at the provincial level with technical skills in Community Based DRRM. The facilitators were the CBDRRM-trained personnel of OCD CARAGA and trainers from Center for Disaster Preparedness. (April Ray Sanchez)

OCD XII Conducts DRRM Training for Instructors

Twenty-four certifi ed DRRM instructors pose during the conduct of the 5-day Training for Instructors (TFI) at Roadhaus Hotel, General Santos City on 23-27 November 2015. OCD XII facilitated the training together with National TFI Instructors from Bureau of Fire and Amity Public Safety Academy. The new instructors will compose the pool of DRRM trainers in the region to assist in the implementation of DRRM trainings. (Jorie Mae E Balmediano)

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CIVIL DEFENSE ACROSS THE NATION

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OCD CAR Distributes Disaster-Ready Stickers to Transport Groups

OCD CAR disseminated Disaster Ready Stickers to Baguio City Public Utility Jeepney drivers on 13 November 2015. Two sets of stickers were distributed, one was a reminder from PHIVOLCS on what to do before, during and after an earthquake. The other sticker was from the DOST which contains preparedness tips on typhoons. These IEC materials were launched to promote disaster preparedness to the public. (Gloria Diane Rivera)

OCD CAR Holds LDRRM Leaders’ Convention

OCD CAR Regional Director Andrew Alex Uy speaks before the Local DRRM Council members of Cordillera during the 2015 LDRRM Leaders’ Convention in Baguio City on 12 November 2015. Around 90 leaders from the 75 municipalities in CAR attended the event. The event reiterated that the Local Government Units are the fi rst line of defense or the frontliners when it comes to responding to different kinds of emergency situations. (Franzes Ivy Carasi)

OCD NCR Deploys RDANA Teams for TY Lando

OCD NCR deploys Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) teams to augment OCD III in providing assistance to the victims of TY Lando in the Provinces of Aurora and Nueva Ecija. The RDANA teams deployed in the areas hit by the typhoon to identify immediate needs of the stricken areas. (JB Estalilla)

OCD NIR Presents New Set of SONO Inc. Pffi cers

A new sets of offi cers of the Safety Organization of Negros Occidental (SONO) Incorporated take their oath at the Planta Hotel, Bacolod City on 5 December 2015. OCD NIR Director, Dr. Blanche T Gobenciong administered the oath-taking for fi scal year 2016. SONO is a multi-awarded organization of Safety Professionals and Practitioners of Negros Occidental. (Ma Aletha A Nogra)

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CIVIL DEFENSE ACROSS THE NATION

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CENTRAL OFFICE EVENTS

Guests from Nepal pose with OCD Offi cials during the Peer-Learning Visit at the NDRRM Operations Center on 2 October 2015.

Usec Alexander P Pama receives token of appreciation as one of the speakers in the Association of Pacifi c Rim Universities Research Symposium on 9 October 2015.

Usec Alexander P Pama speaks during the Disaster Preparedness and Response National Forum on 15 October 2015.

Guests and speakers pose during the Top Leaders Forum on 10 November 2015, organized by Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies.

Usec Alexander P Pama receives a memento from BGEN Joselito Kakilala on 7 December 2015 during the Climate Change Summit organized by AFP CRS.

OCD Offi cials and Regional Directors pose for a photo during the conduct of Senior Leaders Conference on 28 December 2015.

Photos by Fred Abuda JrCaptions by Noel Mapalo

Project DINA Videoscan be downloaded FREE from

www.ocd.gov.ph

For more information,email us at ocdpao@gmail.com

or call us at (02) 961 6314

For more information and tips on preparing for hazards and

disasters, download and watch theProject DINA Videos

Disaster Information for Nationwide Awareness

AVAILABLE VIDEOS

Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water or coastal fl ooding generated by a tropical cyclone, over and above the predicted astronomical tides. A storm surge occurs due to the abnormal wind speed and low atmospheric pressure, it can cause hazards and damage towards the properties, livelihood and lives of the people who reside near the sea shore.

Since the Philippines is located on the typhoon-belt area of the Pacifi c basin, many seaside communities are exposed to the dangers that can be brought by a storm surge.

To avoid these dangers, here are simple tips that local leaders and residents can implement:

• Plant mangroves and trees.

• Don’t build any structure on the “no build zone” or 40 meters easement from the shoreline.

• Organize or join community drills. Make an evacuation plan and ensure that evacuation sites are safe.

Storm surges can be predicted at least 48 hours before it happen. Monitor the weather news and coordinate with local authorities.

• Prepare your emergency survival kit.

• During evacuation, make sure to turn off all the main switches of electricity, water and gas tanks.

• Lock the doors, windows, cabinets and gates of your house.

During the storm or typhoon, stay indoors and stay tuned for weather updates.

DO NOT GO NEAR THE SEA SHORE.

After the storm or typhoon, bring the injured and sick to the nearest hospital.

Check your house for damages. Report fallen trees and electrical posts to proper authorities.

(Research: Bebeth Gador. Source: Project DINA Video)

Awareness and Preparedness on S T O R M S U R G E

A ship washed inland in Tacloban City by storm surges generated by Super Typhoon Yolanda on 8 November 2013.

The Offi ce of Civil Defense is a Center for Excellence in

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

The Offi ce of Civil Defenseprovides leadership in administering the country’s

comprehensive national civil defense anddisaster risk reduction and management program.

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Quezon City, Philippines

(+6302) 9115061 - 65

www.ocd.gov.ph