March 17, 2025. Part of the community development assistance (CDA) component of the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP) is to strengthen the awareness of the beneficiaries regarding disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA).
From January 28, 2025 to February 27, 2025, series of resilient management training were organized for the members of local community groups (women and youth), indigenous people (IP) groups and cooperatives.
The training focused on discussions about integrated risk reduction, CCA with basic intervention on environmental protection, natural resource conservation, first aid during emergencies and psychosocial. These also included drills and simulations that helped the participants put into actual the learnings they have acquired.
The recent activities on DRR and CCA were actively participated by the said organized groups from the following 12 barangays within the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
- Dalingaoen, Pikit, North Cotabato, January 28-30, 2025
- Kenebeka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, January 29-31, 2025
- Minabay, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte, February 4-6, 2025
- Limpongo, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, February 10-12, 2025
- Ragayan, Butig, Lanao del Sur, February 11-13, 2025
- Dungguan, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur, February 13-15, 2025
- Mamaanun, Balo-I, Lanao del Norte, February 18-20, 2025
- Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur- February 24-26, 2025
- Sandab Madaya, Butig, Lanao del Sur, February 24-26, 2025
- Sapad, Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, February 24-26, 2025
- Pendulonan, Munai, Lanao del Norte, February 25-27, 2025
According to Mohamad Yusseph Alalang, BDA Inc. ESS Officer, “the activities are very timely to the current scenarios in the Bangsamoro.”
“We want them to be prepared for any disaster that might happen to their community and learn how to respond accordingly”, Alalang added.
“The initiative not only support the project’s success but also contribute to the long-term resilience of the camp communities and well-being of the people,” he ended.
Also among the participants were Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Committee (BRRMC) of the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs).
These initiatives were made possible through the technical assistance of different Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Offices (MDRRMOs) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Municipal Fire Stations.
Meanwhile, the beneficiaries were grateful for the trainings they participated in. Their awareness on DRR and CCA were increased, and their preparedness on disasters were strengthen.
Jasper Joseph Salva, 28 years old, Chairman of Matay-Matay Agriculture Cooperative (MAC) in Brgy. Kenebeka, shared how helpful these trainings were.
“Through the drills and simulations, we learned how to respond when minor accidents occur in our communities,” said Jasper.
“We live in a mountainous area so it’s probably prone to floods and landslide. It’s good that we learned what to prepare for if such disaster were to happen.” Said Emily Tolino, member of IP group in Brgy. Saniag.
Moreover, in Brgy. Ragayan, the beneficiaries were also thankful for the trainings given to them.
“We are extending our gratitude to BDA and the MDRRMO Butig, our knowledge has increased on how to protect and conserve our environment,” said participants from Brgy. Ragayan.
BCTP is implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) in partnership with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI).
It is one of the projects funded by the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF) with contributions from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom, administered by the World Bank.
The BCTP is also supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) as well as the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation (JTFCT) both from the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
