Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines – In a significant stride toward post-conflict recovery, UNICEF Philippines, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur and various Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) agencies, has advanced its project “Building Community Resilience and Delivery of Essential Services for Post-Conflict Recovery in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.” Funded by the European Union, the initiative seeks to enhance local disaster risk reduction and management plans (LDRRMPs) in the region.
From November 25 to 30, 2024, the project’s second batch of workshops took place at N-Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. The six-day event was a collaborative effort among the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government-BARMM, Bangsamoro READi, Office of Civil Defense-BARMM, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Lanao del Sur, Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of Lanao del Sur, and UNICEF Philippines.
The workshop gathered representatives from seven municipalities in Lanao del Sur—Bacolod Kalawi, Bayang, Binidayan, Butig, Calanogas, Lumbaca Unayan, and Lumbatan. Participants included Local DRRM Officers (LDRRMOs), Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDCs), Municipal Health Officers (MHOs), Municipal Budget Officers (MBOs), Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs), and LDRRMO Technical Staff.
The primary objective of the workshop was to strengthen LDRRMPs by integrating health-focused strategies, programs, and activities that address disaster risks, improve preparedness, and enhance community resilience. Emphasis was placed on the inclusion of vulnerable populations, particularly children, to ensure that disaster response plans cater to the needs of the most at-risk sectors.
“This workshop is vital in building the capacity of our local government units to respond effectively to disasters,” said a representative from UNICEF Philippines. “By prioritizing health and inclusivity, we aim to create plans that not only mitigate risks but also support recovery and resilience in the long term.”
As the region continues to recover from the aftermath of conflict, this initiative serves as a cornerstone in strengthening governance and empowering communities to face future challenges. The success of the workshop highlights the importance of collaboration among international organizations, government agencies, and local stakeholders in fostering a safer and more resilient Lanao del Sur.