NEDA Regional Office (NRO) X Director Leon M. Dacanay, Jr., was guest at the Talakayan sa PIA on July 1, to start up the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) with the theme: “Pamilya at Pamayanang Handa, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bansa.” Regional Director Dacanay is Vice-Chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reducation and Management Council of Northern Mindanao (RDRRMC-X).

During the interview, Director Dacanay cited the efforts of the NRO X in ensuring disaster-resilient communities by preparing climate and disaster sensitive physical framework plans. Currently, the office is refining the DRR/CCA-enhanced Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP). It is integrating the recommendations of the River Basin and Flood Modeling Studies and action areas highlighted in the River Basin Master Plans.

He also mentioned major projects which aim to strengthen resilience to climate change by mitigating flood risk such as the PhP8 Billion Flood Risk Management Project-Cagayan de Oro River (FRIMP-CDOR), the Bridge Reconstruction and Flood Control Project along Mandulog River of Iligan City, and the Flood Control Project along Iponan River of Cagayan de Oro City.

With Director Dacanay were OCD X Director Ana C. Cañeda, Chairperson of the RDRRMC X; DOST X Director Alfonso P. Alamban and Vice-Chairperson for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation; DILG X Officer, Foster N. Anayron, representing the Vice-Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness; and Virginia Cardona of DSWD X, representing the Vice-Chairperson for Disaster Response.

The RDRRMC X has lined up the following activities for the NDCM: (a) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) seminar for the youth; (b) mangrove planting and growing; (c) flood evacuation and earthquake drills; (d) blood-letting; (e) disaster contingency planning, among others.

The observance of the NDCM will culminate with an awarding ceremony for the Regional Winners of the 2014 Gawad KALASAG or Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan. The said award recognizes exemplary performance of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in providing humanitarian assistance to disaster-affected communities.