Empowering Disaster Responders: Insights from Ayala Foundation’s Disaster Response Program

The Ayala Foundation recently hosted a significant event, “Maging Handa Upskilling Disaster Responders” program, held at the Sedes Sapientiae Auditorium in HCDC for over two days. The primary objective of this program was to provide participants with essential skills and training relevant to disaster response, in line with the goals outlined in the “Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028: Accelerate Climate Action & Strengthen Disaster Resilience” and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. 

The program started at 9 am with opening speeches from distinguished guest speakers, including Celerina Asuncion R. Amores, Br. Noelvic H. Deloria, Ret. Col. Alfredo D. Baloran, Harvey James Lanticse, Hon. Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, Dir. Ednar G. Dayanghirang, and Dr. Ted Esguerra. During the event, Councilor Temujin Ocampo conveyed a message from Mayor Sebastian Duterte highlighting the importance of community resilience and security.

Ednar Dayanghirang, the OCD XI regional director, emphasized the significance of disaster resilience pillars, including Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Rehabilitation. He stressed that understanding and implementing these pillars are crucial to achieving disaster resilience.

Key topics covered during the program included Earthquake Response and Basic Trauma Management, with Dr. Ted Esguerra, Founder and Instructor of Wilderness Search and Rescue Philippines, serving as the speaker. Participants learned about effective responses and actions during earthquakes and the responsibilities and roles of rescuers in such scenarios. The event provided valuable insights and training, significantly enhancing disaster response capabilities and overall disaster resilience efforts.