Sustainable Initiatives Led by Local Experts

      DLSU-Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) facilitated the participation of representatives of its partner  barangays in Leveriza, Manila in the  second batch of Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Training of Trainers  (CBDRRM ToT) organized by the De La Salle Philippines and COSCA. The CBDRRM ToT conducted  on October 1  to 4, 2019 was also attended  by representatives of other De La Salle Philippines schools in Luzon area.

      The 4-day CBDRRM ToT was pursued to help partner barangay  local government units in Leveriza Manila enhance their capacity on resiliency and  safety.  Formal leaders and representatives from pilot barangay LGUs participated  during the ToT in the  discussion of the  following: a) Context of Disaster in the Philippines and Importance of CBDRRM, b) Steps in Conducting CBDRRM, c) Disaster Preparedness, Prevention, and Mitigation, d) Disaster Response, Rehabilitation, and Recovery, and e) Action Planning.

      A simulated CBDRRM training guided by the local Service Provider, the Center for Disaster Preparedness was conducted during the last day of the CBDRRM ToT, Participants acted as training  facilitators.  The participants had the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills taught  on DRRM concepts and the various techniques in formulating effective and efficient plans and actions related to DRRM. The simulation activity was necessary  for participants to get accredited with the Philippine government’s Office of Civil Defense as CBDRRM trainers.

      The CBDRRM ToT was facilitated under COSCA’s  Lasallian Sustainable Development Program’s Lasallian Environmental Sustainability and Governance component to help contribute to building disaster resilient partner communities.   This is an initial step for the conduct of  CBDRRM training in the partner  barangays of DLSU-COSCA.

      Other  activities undertaken during the  last quarter of  2019  considered  the need for team building  activities and reflection  sessions among members of the DLSU partners communities and organizations being  at the frontline and directly affected in times of disaster or calamity..