As part of the initiatives of DSWD FO NCR Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) to create a systematized reporting mechanism during disasters and emergencies, DSWD CO DROMIC was invited to be part of their Training Team as Resource Persons (RPs) in the conduct of their DROMIC Training and Consultation Workshop for the Enhancement of Disaster Reporting System for two (2) batches of their target participants: the First Batch was for their City / Municipal Action Teams (C/MATs) on 31 July – 02 August 2018; and the Second Batch was for their NCR LGU Disaster Focals on 08 – 10 August 2018. Both Trainings were held at Greenhills Elan Hotel in San Juan City, Metro Manila.
The goal of the activity was for DSWD FO-NCR to have a systematized disaster reporting mechanism among its C/MATs and LGU Disaster Focals, towards effective and efficient disaster preparedness and response.
Specifically, the training aimed to provide orientation and technical assistance along the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) Reporting Guidelines; provide the essential technical know-how on the use of DROMIC reporting templates; discuss on the tasks and responsibilities of all staff involved in the preparation of DROMIC reports and their salient roles and responsibilities in disaster response; establish a reporting system and a DROMIC team of FO-NCR as lead in reporting during disasters / emergencies; and cascade the DROMIC Guidelines to the 17 LGUs, to assist and guide them in preparation of reports during disasters / emergencies.
The “Provision of Technical Assistance and Resource Augmentation to Field Offices in the Management of Disaster Response Information” is one of the mandated functions of DSWD CO DROMIC. Thus, together with the DSWD FO NCR DRMD Team headed by their OIC Division Chief, Mr. Bienvenido Barboza and FO-NCR DROMIC Focal, Ms. Norjanisa Airah Calaca, three (3) DROMIC Staff from the Central Office: Ms. Mapet Bulawan, Mr. Marc Leo Butac, and Mr. Rodel Cabaddu: served as RPs for the 1st and 2nd batches, respectively.
Highly remarkable in the expectations, especially of the LGU DRR Focal Participants – who are the primary, official disaster data sources – is the clamor that there be a “comprehensive / unified / standard DROMIC Reporting Guidelines and Systems towards achieving accurate, timely, reliable, and well-targeted disaster information”.
Highlights of the training – workshop are topics on: The DROMIC History and its Current Set-up; The Proposed FO-DRMD; The RA 10821; The DROMIC Reporting Guidelines; The DROMIC Reporting Templates with Simulation Exercises; Consultation on the Creation of FO-NCR DROMIC Team; and Commitment Setting & Ways Forward.
The energetic facilitation of the FO NCR DRMD enthused active engagement of the participants in the discussions and simulation exercises, making the experiences worth learning with fun.