BOBON, Northern Samar- Mayor Reny Celespara of this town attended the “1st International Conference on Integrative Risk Reduction Management” held at the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City. Mayor Celespara was joined by municipal disaster risk reduction management council head Jose Esquillo during the gathering held from September 3 to 5. The three-day gathering was participated by 250 representatives from various local government units, provincial and municipal risk reduction chiefs, colleges and universities representatives and even from the Mindanao region discussed on good governance in crisis situation as well as the monitoring of reconstruction efforts of local and international community. Both Mayor Celespara and Esquillo talked on their expertise on environmental and risk reduction management issues aside from the relief operations through humanitarian and emergency aids. Given emphasis during the gathering was on the climate change and disaster application of lessons during the onslaught of supertyphoon Yolanda. Also discussed which was anchored on five specific priorities were making risk reduction a priority; improving risk information and early warning; building a culture of safety and resilience; reducing risks in the key sector, and as well strengthening preparedness for response. On the last day of the conference, an “on-site planning workshop” was conducted, visiting communities in Eastern Samar that were badly hit by Yolanda’s wrath. Participants of the conference signed a “pledge of commitment” on Mother Earth and the involvement of the Catholic relief operations. (PETER D.PAREDES)
