Disasters have many faces. There are natural disasters like storms, floods, landslides, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, especially since the Philippines is in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Typhoon Belt. According to the 2017 World Risk Index Report, the Philippines is the third riskiest place in the world in terms of natural disasters. There are also man-made disasters such as armed conflicts and fires.
Despite these challenges, the Department of Social Welfare and Development is doing its part in preparing for these disasters.
DSWD recently conducted a seminar-workshop on disaster preparedness and response protocols last August in Ormoc City for the members of its Quick Response Team (QRT). This was conducted to provide additional technical expertise to the QRT.
During this training, the QRT were trained on how to use predictive analytics before a disaster, to gather and organize reports through the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) system and to use satellite communications equipment during disaster operations.
According Cherelyn Lubang from the Office of Civil Defense, disaster response policy in the Philippines a few years ago was reactive. However, recent disasters have proven the need for a more proactive stance in disaster response.
In line with this paradigm shift, DSWD is also engaged in proactive disaster preparedness measures, such as prepositioning and predictive analytics, to ensure readiness in case of disasters. DSWD is standing ready for any disasters.