Bongao, Tawi-Tawi – In a proactive step toward enhancing disaster readiness, the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Yshmael “Mang” I. Sali, hosted a Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness program on November 5, 2024. Held at the Department of Education (DepEd) Gym in Bongao, the event sought to educate the community on essential measures for dealing with natural disasters. The event was organized by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Hajimar S. Matba and his team.
The program featured nine experts presenting on various aspects of tsunami awareness and disaster preparedness, aiming to equip residents with both knowledge and practical skills. Adzmer A. Juani from Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) began with a presentation titled “Understanding Tsunami,” which provided attendees with foundational insights into the nature and causes of tsunamis.
Following this, Shaleeca Myrah V. Sali from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MENRE BARMM) presented “Rising Tides: Building Resilience through Tsunami Preparedness and Environmental Stewardship.” Her discussion highlighted the importance of environmental resilience in the broader context of disaster preparedness, emphasizing the role of sustainable practices in reducing vulnerability to natural disasters.
Other notable presentations included an overview of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies by Hajimar S. Matba himself, a discussion on the role of the Armed Forces in disaster response by Colonel Oliver Baylon of the 2nd Marine Brigade, and a session on health-focused disaster preparedness by Elsa B. Pescadera of the Ministry of Health’s Integrated Provincial Hospital. The event concluded with Shawn Usman from Project Action Against Hunger, who discussed the importance of community involvement in disaster mitigation efforts.
Governor Sali praised the initiative, noting that it marked an important step toward strengthening Tawi-Tawi’s resilience to natural disasters. “Programs like this empower our people with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and support each other in times of crisis,” he stated.
This comprehensive training is expected to improve preparedness at both individual and community levels, building a culture of safety and resilience in Tawi-Tawi. As climate change continues to influence the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, such initiatives underscore the value of community-based approaches to disaster risk management.
