On September 4, 2024, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in its role as Chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) XII – Disaster Preparedness (DP) Committee, successfully convened its second semestral meeting. The event took place on the 3rd Floor of the DILG Regional Office XII in Koronadal City, bringing together key committee members for an essential discussion on disaster readiness.

On behalf of the DILG XII Regional Director and Chairperson of the RDRRMC XII-DP Committee, Atty. Rochelle Mahinay-Sero, CESE, LGCDD Division Chief, Maria Theresa D. Bautista emphasized the critical importance of enhancing disaster preparedness measures. Hence, the crucial role of the members in implementing these measures.

During the meeting, committee members presented their latest initiatives related to disaster preparedness. These efforts were discussed, leading to the passage of four (4) resolutions, which will be forwarded to the RDRRMC XII Full Council for formal adoption. The following are the resolutions:  

• Resolution Urging Region XII Regional Directors and Local Chief Executives’ Support for the Orientation Sessions on Mpox to be conducted by DOH-CHD Central Office on September 10, 2024 for Local Government Units (LGUs), September 11, 2024 for National Government Agencies (NGAs) and September 12, 2024 for the Private Sector;
• Resolution Urging all Government Agencies and Instrumentalities, Including Hospitals, Schools, Business Establishments, and the General Public to Strictly Establish and Enforce Minimum Health Protocols to Prevent the Spread of Infectious Diseases;
• Resolution Adopting the Agencies' Reports for Consolidation by the Secretariat and Endorsement to the RDRRMC XII Full Council 3rd Quarter Meeting; and
• Resolution promoting the “Meteor Guardians: Generating Alternative and Innovative Practices for Mitigating Meteorological Disasters” Project initiated by the University of Southern Mindanao-Kabacan to all local government units and national government agencies of Region XII and partner with USM Kabacan with the preferred intervention track of the concerned LGU or Agency for reliable and accurate data sharing for disaster risk reduction.

Of the 27 committee members, 14 were present, reflecting strong engagement and commitment to the committee’s goals. The committee remains focused on leveraging disaster preparedness strategies as a crucial approach to mitigating the impacts of disasters and ensuring community resilience.

The RDRRMC XII-DP Committee continues to prioritize the enhancement of disaster readiness as a fundamental element in safeguarding communities and improving overall response capabilities.