Article by Jasper D. Alegro
CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—Samar State University’s Advocacy on Gender and Women Advancement for National Development (SAGWAN), in partnership with the Catbalogan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), conducted the Community-Based Gender Inclusive Disaster Preparedness program on December 28, 2024, held at Brgy. Basiao Covered Court, Catbalogan City.
The Community-Based Gender-Inclusive Disaster Preparedness Training represents a vital step toward empowering communities to respond effectively to disasters. By integrating gender-inclusive strategies, the training ensures that all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to participate in disaster risk reduction initiatives.
This approach not only addresses vulnerabilities but also promotes equitable resource allocation and decision-making, strengthening community resilience. This initiative serves as a model for fostering awareness and action, demonstrating how inclusive disaster preparedness can create safer and more resilient communities while promoting equality and shared responsibility.
Attended by a total of 74 participants, including Basiao residents, 4Ps beneficiaries, barangay officials, and Brgy. Basiao organizations, SAGWAN and CDRRMO promoted the implementation of community-based disaster preparedness strategies through inclusive participation by women and marginalized groups.
The event featured lectures from various experts, including SAGWAN Director Ms. Charmaine R. Quiña, CDRRMO Chief of the Research and Planning Division Mr. Juniel B. Tagarino, CDRRMO officers, GAD Coordinators Dr. Nathalie Ann A. Acosta and Asst. Prof. Mary Jane B. Cinco and GAD Faculty Researcher Mr. Jasper D. Alegro.
Started in April 2024, the extension program aimed to enhance the capacity of communities in identifying and addressing gender-specific needs and vulnerabilities during disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.