Apayao hosts Cordillera Resilience Caravan, DRRM councils meeting

The Provincial Government of Apayao (PGA) hosted the Cordillera Resilience Caravan and Joint Regional and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC–PDRRMC) Meeting on March 5, 2026, bringing together regional and local officials to discuss disaster preparedness, response coordination, and climate resilience initiatives.

Vice Governor Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut-Cunan joined Albert A. Mogol, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense–Cordillera Administrative Region (OCD–CAR) and Chairperson of the Cordillera Regional DRRM Council, along with municipal mayors, provincial department heads, and representatives of national agencies.

Among the topics presented was the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act (Republic Act 12076), signed on December 6, 2024, which mandates the construction of permanent and disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality nationwide. The facilities are designed to withstand strong typhoons and major earthquakes and aim to address long-standing concerns about using schools as evacuation centers during disasters.

Government agencies also shared updates on their respective resilience programs. Engr. Ellyn Virador of the Department of Agriculture discussed DRRM systems aimed at strengthening agricultural resilience through risk mitigation tools and strategies.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government–CAR presented the technical guidelines for the integration of the LGU Resilience Readiness and Monitoring Framework under Memorandum Circular No. 2025-105, which seeks to improve monitoring of preparedness and disaster management mechanisms among local governments.

The Department of Science and Technology introduced the TARAKI Kiosk, a platform designed to expand public access to science and technology-based information and services. A ceremonial turnover of the kiosk to the PGA followed.

Updates were also presented by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development–CAR on rehabilitation and recovery programs related to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone KLMNOP. Discussions included guidelines for accessing the People’s Survival Fund, which supports climate adaptation initiatives of local governments.

Environmental initiatives were likewise discussed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–CAR, including climate change adaptation and mitigation programs, nature-based solutions, and activities related to the Biosphere Reserve of the yApayaos.

The Center for Conservation Innovation Philippines also presented strategies on Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction, highlighting the Green Assessment and Recovery Framework, which assesses environmental losses and supports ecosystem-based recovery for communities dependent on natural resources.

Preparations for the First Northern Luzon Rescuelympics, which Apayao will host from March 16 to 20, 2026 in Pudtol, were also discussed during the meeting. Organized by OCD–CAR and the Provincial Government of Apayao, the event aims to strengthen rescue capabilities and coordination among response teams across Northern Luzon.

Apayao Provincial DRRM Officer Joeffrey Borromeo presented updates on the competition, which will feature events such as Swift Water Rescue, Amazing Race, and Sky Pilot Maneuvering designed to test the skills and readiness of participating responders.