The Tagbilaran City Active Local Emergency Response Team (ALERT) was given recognition during TARSIER 117’s 4^th Anniversary. The citation affirmed ALERT’s full support to the programs and initiatives of the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Bohol and the Telephone and the Radio Systems Integrated Emergency Response (TARSIER 117) unit. The efficient collaboration between the two disaster response teams has strengthened the capacities of the Boholanos during disasters.

City Mayor John Geesnell “BABA” Yap has been fully supportive of TARSIER 117, Bohol’s elite group in disaster response. In fact, these were the same group who trained the Tagbilaran City’s ALERT in First Aid and Basic Life Support, a 3-day seminar and workshop which equipped and prepared disaster responders to manage crisis situations in times of emergencies and natural calamities. The training was led by TARSIER 117 Emergency Medical Services Officers Mark D. Galia and Harvey Mendez.

Last week also saw another milestone in disaster management. The City Government of Tagbilaran with CDRRMC Action officer Gerard Lavadia participated in Operation “Listo”, an initiative spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government which showcases a campaign for local government units towards a unified tool and protocol which aims to institutionalize disaster preparedness and response in every community.

A manual that is basically a local government unit’s (LGU’s) detailed checklist of early preparation for local chief executives (LCE) was presented and discussed. The manual will serve as a guide in the formulation of Disaster Preparedness Plan in the LGUs. It will also enable them to assess their readiness in terms of disaster response. The discussion as well as planning of the entire session was primarily focused on the areas where the civil society organizations (CSOs), private sectors, local research institutes (LRIs), and media partners can support the local government units. Discussions and recommendations to further enhance the facilitation of the Barangay Coaching as well as the accreditation scheme for Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management office were also elaborated. The convention also witnessed the establishment of the Bohol Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Federation, an organization which would serve as a venue for exchanging ideas and best practices towards disaster management. CDRRMC Action officer Gerard Lavadia was elected Auditor, with Robecito Artiaga from Talibon as the President.

The participants have shown support to Operation “Listo” through the active participation in the planning workshop in relation to their commitment in building disaster resilient communities.