Representatives from Rizal Technological University (RTU) participated in a comprehensive training course on ‘Localizing Disaster Risk Reduction for Anticipatory Action’ held at the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G from March 11 to March 15, 2024.

The RTU delegation includes Instr. Emmanuel Taruc, Director of the General Services Office (GSO), and Instr. John Arvie Casas, Director of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO). The course aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to allow communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Throughout the training, attendees engaged in scenario-based exercises designed to facilitate the application of newly acquired knowledge upon their return to their respective workstations. The peer-to-peer learning approach enabled participants to exchange challenges and experiences in localizing disaster risk reduction strategies.

A wide range of topics were covered during the course, including the characteristics and essential features of community resilience, impact-based forecasting, climate-inclusive community resilience, disaster risk communication, and preparedness for response and recovery. Practical sessions focused on implementing anticipatory actions, conducting participatory community risk assessments, and developing monitoring and evaluation systems for community resilience.

The training emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach to disaster risk reduction, with a particular focus on gender and social inclusion. Sessions also explored risk financing strategies and asset protection within communities.

Upon completion of the course, participants engaged in program development exercises and discussions to apply their learnings to real-world scenarios. The training concluded with presentations of outputs and further deliberations on effective strategies for building community resilience.