Caraga disaster chair emphasizes shift from reactive to proactive

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug 2 (PIA) -- Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Caraga chairperson Liza Mazo emphasized that the paradigm shift of being proactive from a reactive stance on DRRM assures us that together, we can achieve our vision for a safer, adaptive and disaster-resilient communities towards sustainable development.

She made theremark during the regional awarding of Gawad Kalasag 2013 winners held on Wednesday at the LJ Mega Convention Hall, this city.

Mazo said the gargantuan responsibility of managing and reducing the risk of disasters is not the sole responsibility of government.

"It entails the cooperation of every stakeholder from the individuals, to the communities and the grass roots, the private organizations and enterprises, and in all ranks of public office and concerned international organizations," she said.

Mazo also said that as the theme of this year's observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month states "Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan," we should not forget to live according to the "Bayanihan (oneness, brotherhood)" spirit.

"Everyone is encouraged to provide the best possible service that we can give for the sake of the safety and well-being of the nation. Let us allow the lessons of the past disasters to hone us and subsequently perfect the craft of disaster risk reduction," she said.

Mazo added that as we recognize that DRR is a shared responsibility, there is a need for us to deliver responsible, proactive and transparent actions on the ground. We are to serve as enduring inspiration for others to follow, in our respective offices and communities.

Following the “whole of society approach,” Mazo together with the council members expect to see more proactive contributions from everyone. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)