The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Aurora opened on Monday a five-day Contingency Planning Training of Trainers, a program aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and response.

The opening ceremony, held at the PDRRMO Emergency Operations Center in Barangay Suklayin, Baler, was attended by 36 participants from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and the provincial government.

In his welcome remarks, PDRRMC officer Elson Amado Egargue underscored the importance of the training as a crucial step toward enhancing the province’s readiness.

“This training is vital because it equips us with the knowledge and skills needed to develop effective response plans for various hazards. Moreover, it serves as an opportunity for us to share experiences, unite our efforts, and strengthen our cooperation for safer and more resilient communities,” Egargue said.

He added that the lessons learned over the course of the five-day training should be cascaded to local communities to further enhance the province’s disaster preparedness.

Meanwhile, in a message delivered by Provincial Youth Development Officer Benjamin Vidal Jr. on behalf of Governor Reynante Tolentino, the provincial government expressed its full support for the initiative.

“We all know that disasters, whether natural or man-made, can strike at any time. When that moment comes, our level of preparedness will determine how quickly and effectively we can respond. Through this training, you, as future trainers, will gain the knowledge, skills, and proper methods to guide our communities in planning, preparing, and responding to any emergency,” Vidal said.

He also emphasized that preparedness is not the responsibility of one person or office alone, but a collective duty, from the community to the provincial level, and from national agencies to every citizen. (PNA)