June 30, 2023
The project staff and leaders of the four people’s organizations paid courtesy calls to the barangay officials of the four barangays in different occasions in June 2023. The barangay captains included Hon. Kirk Bryan Jaca Repollo of Inayawan, Hon. Gines N. Abellana, of Mambaling, Hon. Danilo P. Teves of Quiot, and Hon. Julius O. Guioguio of Pasil.
They also attended separate sessions of the Sangguniang Bayan or Barangay Council which is the legislative body of the barangay responsible for enacting local ordinances, resolutions, and policies that govern the barangay. During the sessions, the project staff presented the project objectives and distributed copies of the project brochure to each of the councilors.
A Memorandum of Agreement was also signed with the president of each people’s association, the barangay captain and the VPHCS Executive Director.
Engaging barangay officials from the start helps build a sustainable framework for ongoing disaster preparedness efforts. Their continued involvement can ensure that preparedness activities remain active and effective over time.
Barangay officials can facilitate access to local resources, including emergency supplies, community facilities, and volunteers. They can also help coordinate with other local services and organizations, such as health centers, emergency response teams, and public safety departments, ensuring a more integrated approach to disaster preparedness.
Since barangay officials are often well-respected and trusted figures within their communities, their involvement can lend credibility to the project and foster greater community engagement and participation. They can also assist with organizing and facilitating community meetings, training sessions, and drills. Their local presence and authority can help ensure these activities are well-attended and effective.
Thus, collaborating with local barangay officials in the project enhances the relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of disaster preparedness projects. Their involvement helps to align the project with local needs, optimize resource use, build community trust, and ensure that the project is integrated into the broader local disaster management framework.
