OCD-ARMM sets basic DRRM course for media

COTABATO CITY -- The Office on Civil Defense ARMM will be
conducting a one-day Basic Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Course
for media which intends to improve the knowledge and understanding of media
workers and institutions about current DRRM systems.

The activity scheduled on March 26 at
the Pagana Resto, Cotabato City will also discuss the OCD’s institutional and
operating mechanisms, DRRM priority projects and activities, and RA 10121.

RA 10121, or the Philippine Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, mandates that the OCD should provide
appropriate knowledge on DRRM to various institutions, in this case the media
sector, to reduce erroneous information.

The activity also intends to give sound
understanding of the Republic Act itself with specifics on the four DRRM
thematic areasand disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness,
disaster response, and disaster rehabilitation and recovery.

The whole day orientation starts at 8:30
in the morning and will end at 4and00 in the afternoon. Participants are
specified to be from media backgrounds and professions. For institutions, at
least one personnel is invited to join. Local radio stations, as well as
other media outlets, have also been invited.

Speakers in the event will be from
PHIVOLCS and research persons from PAG-ASA. The activity will also feature an
open forum where participants may seek clarification on some information or
bring up a subject for discussion.

The OCD-ARMM recognizes the role of
media in providing communities much needed information and popularizing proper
disaster risk reduction and managament practices. Media helps provide awareness
on the possibilities and how to reduce chances of dangerous situations from happening.
(Daverick B. Lim/NDU-BAComm3)