Angeles City, Pampanga — The Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO) conducted a Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM) Orientation for 33 Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (BDRRMCs) on August 19, 2025, held at the Angeles City Library and Information Center in Barangay Sto. Rosario.
This initiative, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)–Angeles City, is part of a larger effort to strengthen disaster resilience and emergency response capabilities across all levels of the community. The orientation focused on equipping barangay officials with the knowledge and tools necessary to anticipate, prepare for, and respond effectively to various hazards.
Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, who also serves as the ACDRRMC Chairperson, emphasized in his message that barangays play a crucial role as first responders during emergencies. He stressed that building disaster-resilient communities begins with empowering local leaders through capacity-building and education.
The orientation covered key topics such as hazard identification, risk assessment, emergency response planning, and community-based early warning systems. Participants also engaged in scenario-based exercises to practice applying their knowledge in simulated disaster situations.
Through this activity, the city aims to create a culture of preparedness and community involvement. It also supports the integration of disaster risk reduction strategies into local development planning, ensuring that safety is prioritized at every level of governance.
DILG–Angeles City representatives commended the LGU for its proactive approach in disaster risk management. They also reaffirmed their support in helping barangays align their disaster plans with national frameworks and standards, including the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
Looking ahead, the ACDRRMO plans to conduct more focused training sessions and drills across all barangays. The city government remains committed to ensuring that every Angeleño is not just aware of the risks, but is also equipped to face and overcome them with confidence and preparedness.