Published: 25 June 2024
As part of the Commission on Audit’s (COA) commitment to provide relevant and adequate skills trainings for its personnel assigned at the COA International Training Center and Dormitory (CITCD), it initiated the conduct of the “Training on Basic First Aid and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM)” held on 10-11 June 2024. The training was spearheaded by the Technical Working Group (TWG), Secretariat, and Committee on Training and Advocacy (CTA), all of COA Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS); and the General Services Office (GSO) of the COA Administration Sector, in coordination with the Tagaytay City Department of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (TCDRRMO).
On the first day of the training, Assistant Commissioner Fortunata M. Rubico, TWG Chair, COA GFPS, provided insights on critical gender issues during disaster occurrence affecting women and children, and other vulnerable sectors. For the CITCD personnel, as first responders during major disaster events and emergency situations within the premises, they should possess the necessary knowledge, skills and adequate training on basic first aid and DRRM that is in synch with the appropriate disaster responses of the Tagaytay City Government.
Assistant Commissioner Fortunata M. Rubico explains the importance of disaster preparedness of CITC personnel.
Mr. Jose Clyde A. Yayong, Head of the TCDRRMO, provided the theoretical perspective of DRRM in the Philippines and within Tagaytay City. In the afternoon, Mr. Renzon Q. Biswelan, Mr. Erik D. Caraan, and Mr. Ryan R. Tolentino, all of the TCDRRMO, served as the resource persons, facilitators and simulation drill instructors.
On the second day of the training, Mr. Yayong explained in detail the things to do and not to do, as well as the “go bags” and “emergency kits” that every family should have in case of disaster events. He also emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of oneself before helping others to safety. The participants have been provided with the contact numbers and hotlines of Tagaytay City for emergency situations. The participants were able to apply through a simulation drill the disaster responses they learned the previous day.
CITCD personnel conduct disaster simulation drill.
The training was a success. According to CITCD personnel, they felt more confident now and empowered by the knowledge and skills acquired from the training, not just only for official purposes but also for personal and family concerns. Meanwhile, the training will give the guests and clients of CITCD the assurance of a safer and more secured facility.
(The COA GFPS TWG and the GAD Secretariat extend their heartfelt gratitude to COA Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba and Tagaytay Mayor Abraham D. Tolentino for authorizing the conduct of the training. Special thanks also to TCDRRMO headed by Mr. Yayong and his staff; the Assistant Commissioners’ Group for recommending approval of the training; the Professional and Institutional Development Sector headed by OIC-Assistant Commissioner Lito Q. Martin and the CTA headed by Director Mary Joyce G. Eruma, Director Olympia P. Balugay, Ms. Melinda Fetalco, and Ms. Ivy Fulgar-Dupaya; the GSO headed by Director Amelia P. Valdez, Director Cherrie Rose V. Tena, Director Rolito R. Sondon and Ms. Natalia M. Abuyen; the Planning, Finance and Management Sector headed by Assistant Commissioner Nilda B. Plaras and the Planning, Budget and Management Office headed by Director Rebecca C. Dacanay; and to Supervising Auditor Osana Theresa N. Domingo and Ms. Ivy Lademora of the Tagaytay City Audit Team for coordinating with the TCDRRMO.) #