Caluya: The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) equipped barangay officials and responders of the coastal island municipality of Caluya, Antique, with skills on assessing the impact of disasters and emergency response. PDRRMO Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer III Michael Tolentino, on Friday, said that 70 barangay officials and over 100 responders participated in the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) training and emergency response from Aug. 11 to 15.

According to Philippines News Agency, the training on RDANA is crucial as it enhances the reporting and monitoring capability of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) managers or barangay officials in the event of a disaster. Tolentino emphasized that generating a report on damage and needs assessment during disasters significantly aids the mayor, barangay officials, and other DRRM managers in decision-making and determining the appropriate assistance required.

The training also highlighted the importance of establishing an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during disasters. Tolentino noted that the EOC must be operationalized in times of disaster as it serves as the central point for responders to report and receive instructions.

Additionally, the PDRRMO provided training to the Semirara Island Emergency Action Group, an organization of emergency responders in Caluya, focusing on vehicular accident response, collapsed structure search and rescue, and high-angle rescue. Tolentino pointed out that due to Caluya's geographical location, the island municipality frequently experiences isolation, underscoring the need to enhance the capacity of the local government unit (LGU) and the community to manage disasters effectively.