BU Study Hails Albay's Disaster Risk Reduction Practice

Legazpi City (23 July) -- Albay's Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) is an ideal model in building a resilient, safe community during times of disaster events, a research study said.

In a research study by Oxfam, Bicol University and Albay province showed that Albay's DRRM model played a significant role in protecting lives of people and at the same time making communities strong and safe from and catastrophic event that may take place.

The research paper titled: Innovative Humanitarian Response within a Disaster Risk Reduction Approach: "Learning from the 2009 Mayon volcano Eruption, presented how Albay province attained a "Zero Casualty" target for one and half decade.

The research paper was presented on Wednesday by the BU research team in cooperation with Oxfam, Albay province, APSEMO.

Donna Mitzi Lagdameo, Oxfam, Programme Manager for DRR, said the research paper would be out of the press next month while it is in the process of fine tuning, editing the document for publication in book form.

The study reveal that with the institutionalization of the Albay Public Safety, Emergency and Management Office (APSEMO) the province has achieved the "Zero Casualty" goal during Mt. Mayon eruptions in 2001, 2006 and 2009.

The province DRRM had an effective and efficient system in monitoring and evaluation in implementing disaster operation, back up with adequate logistical and legislative policy support.

The study also credited the APSEMO's DRM model for making the province become a landmark of and a voice in the international discourse of DRM.

With the DRRM the province was able to institutionalize disaster responses within the risk management framework designed to build a resilient and safe community towards sustainable development.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said DRR model institutionalized by the province is an innovation where in stakeholders where put together working for a common cause.

Salceda likened the DRRM as an orchestra playing different tones that blends into one beautiful music.

Snehal Soneji, Oxfam Country Director, has commended the BU research paper, in putting together the lessons learned, the good practices by various stakeholders during last years Mt. Mayon eruption.

Soneji was impressed of Albay's DRRM model saying "this is a unique model where you can see how partnership played a great role in disaster operation."

"I have seen other models but the uniqueness of Albay's DRRM is the partnership and innovation made in performing its respective task," Soneji said.

Cedric Daep, APSEMO director said the research study was a follow up of the first DRR study made and subsequently published last year entitled "Building a resilient DRR."

The BU research study would reinforce and enhance the first document which would highlight the lessons learned and documentation process. (PNA Bicol)