PLANNING WORKSHOP. Xavier Ateneo Governance and Leadership Institute director Dr Dixon Yasay serves as the main facilitator of the planning workshop of Cagayan de Oro City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department. Photo by Cristina Remotigue. 

By Wilson J Hormeguera

The Governance and Leadership Institute (GLI) of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan recently facilitated the planning workshop of Cagayan de Oro City’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (DRRMD), where the participants crafted a new vision for their organization, to be “one of the best DRRMDs in the Philippines by 2020.”

The said vision can be achieved through an effective hazard management, public awareness, emergency response, capacity development, strong partnership, disaster monitoring, policy implementation, responsive technology, and client satisfaction.

The workshop also allowed participants to clarify their mandates and clients’ expectations. For the participants, the 2016 satisfied clients were the emergency clients.

For 2017, CdeO CDRRMD will focus on strengthening their partnerships with private organizations, barangay councils, households, and schools.

“Our mandate is to keep the Kagay-anons safe and away from disaster,” said CdeO CDRRM supervisor Mario Verner Monsanto to the participants. “This road is winding and rough but have the enthusiasm and persevere.” ∎