Synergy needed in disaster response

The horrifying effects of typhoon Yolanda and temblor in the Visayas Region have created social disaster awareness in the country. Davao Association of Catholic Schools, Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines XI (DACS-CEAP) together with Archdiocese of Davao conducted “Conversations on Disaster Preparedness” on February 5 at DACS Training Center, Matina, Davao City.

Representatives from different Catholic schools and universities within the Archdiocese of Davao discussed how prepared and organized are they if disasters befall on their institutions at any time.

Disaster is not only limited to natural calamities it may also include armed conflict, medical health outbreaks, technological disaster and terrorism. DACS member-schools such as Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College, San Pedro College, University of Immaculate Conception and other Catholic schools imparted insights and proposed action plans on disaster preparedness and in responding to emergency situations.

One of the objectives of the event was to share protocols and practices by Catholic schools and to come up with an agreement in creating general guidelines for a well-coordinated disaster response among DACS-CEAP schools in Region XI.

Archdiocesan Social Action Center Director Fr. Leonardo A. Dublan, Jr. said that students must also be prepared in facing disasters and calamities not only within the school premises but also in public places such as malls and at their homes. There must be a psychosocial awareness of students.

In his closing remarks, Bishop George B. Rimando stressed “I am asked to give this closing remark but there is no closing to what we are responding to. While most answer the ‘what’ and ‘how’ in responding to disasters let’s not forget the ‘why’. The great challenge for schools and other Diocesan ministries is to work together as an integral whole. There must be a synergy.”