CATARMAN, Northern Samar– In an effort to elevate the scale and impact of disaster response initiatives, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened on March 7, 2025, to discuss the upcoming five-day Ibabao Rescue Jamboree during the 60th Ibabao Festival. The said activity will serve as a signal fire event—a rallying call for strengthening disaster preparedness across the province. The meeting took place at Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol, Catarman, Northern Samar.
Mr. Rei Josiah A. Echano, PGDH-PDRRMO, emphasized that the 3rd Ibabao Rescue Jamboree is designed to equip both professional and volunteer responders with essential skills, rapid decision-making abilities, and the readiness to handle emergencies effectively. Given the increasing frequency of both natural and human-induced disasters, he stressed that strengthening the capacity of first line responders in every municipality is imperative.
Mr. Echano further highlighted that the activity’s primary objective is not only to ensure that responders can act swiftly during emergencies, disasters, and calamities but also to empower them with the skills and knowledge necessary to mitigate impacts.
Additionally, he urged the 14 municipalities that received the Gawad Kalasag Award to ensure that their response teams are not only compliant on paper but are actively engaged and operational.
He reiterated that the activity is not just a capacity-building initiative but also an opportunity for camaraderie, serving as both a sporting event and a platform for tourism promotion given that the province will invite participants across the nation.
In line with broader disaster preparedness efforts, Mr. Echano called on all municipalities to update or complete their risk-informed Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) to proactively address hazards and disaster risks.
By prioritizing disaster preparedness, resilience, and community engagement, the province is taking a crucial step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nortehanons. This initiative aligns closely with Governor Ongchuan’s development agenda, Padayon nga KAUSWAGAN, which focuses on sustained progress and resilience for Northern Samar.
(NORTHERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE)
