In a significant step towards enhancing disaster resilience, 1,800 barangay officials and civic volunteers from 45 highly vulnerable municipalities across Regions I and II, as well as the Cordillera Administrative Region, graduated from the AGRIDAM-Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM) Training of Trainers program.
Agridam, an Ilokano word meaning “to be alert,” was launched by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon (OPANL) in collaboration with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and with support from the House of Representatives.
During the ceremony at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in Laoag City, the message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. was delivered by OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno.
In his message, President Marcos emphasized the importance of community resilience: “The innate resilience and bravery of Filipinos often emerge from the strength of our community and best magnified in times of adversity.”
He noted that challenging calamities provide “invaluable opportunities for growth, improvement, and solidarity,” and welcomed the training initiative aimed at empowering local leaders.
Nepomuceno highlighted the crucial role of barangay officials in disaster response due to their familiarity with local conditions.
The AGRIDAM program was designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to teach and implement disaster risk management strategies at the community level, addressing the shortage of CBDRRM trainers.
It focused on empowering barangay leaders, local government officials, teachers, and disaster officers in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, ensuring they can manage risks based on their unique needs and resources.
Conducted from June 3 to November 29, 2024, the training included six modules covering local hazards, risk assessment, prevention, and community-specific DRRM planning.
Undersecretary Nepomuceno reiterated the significance of this training, stating, “In this program, we trained our leaders in the barangay so they can also train other community members on disaster preparedness and response.”
He emphasized the need for a whole-of-government approach, involving the national government, local government units (LGUs), and other national agencies.
Nepomuceno urged the graduates, who will serve as first responders starting today, to apply their knowledge to assist their communities: “They should be included in our drills and meetings. We will institutionalize AGRIDAM and replicate this nationwide.” He highlighted the crucial role of barangay officials in disaster response due to their familiarity with local conditions.
President Marcos concluded his message by encouraging the graduates: “As you receive your certificates today, consider this as a lifelong commitment. I expect you to meet the challenges ahead with vigor, courage, and determination.”
He also extended gratitude to all government agencies involved in the program and called for a collaborative effort to achieve a truly disaster-resilient community: “Let us adhere to the principles of a whole-of-society approach… with every step we take, we ensure that our region remains strong and prepared for whatever challenges the future may bring.”
