Agusan Norte capacitates on Emergency Operations Center management
By Nora
L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY – A total of 38 responders and members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Agusan del Norte recently completed the three-day training on Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management.
The
training emphasized the importance of proper EOC management and knowledge,
which played a crucial role in ensuring successful operations and efficient
responses to disasters and emergencies.
Vincent
Cotoron, director of Planning and Quality Management Services of the Caraga
State University (CSU) in Butuan City, highlighted that a well-managed EOC
significantly enhances the speed and effectiveness of disaster response efforts.
“This
is my 3rd time attending a training related to disasters and emergencies, this
one is of great help to us in CSU, especially that we have a lot of planned
events, we will activate our EOC and implement crowd management.
Lorna
Bayer, Operations and Warning Division chief of the PDRRMC, further underscored
that the EOC is not only activated during calamities but is also vital for
coordinating large-scale and critical activities. She stressed the importance
of having a close collaboration and coordination among government agencies,
local government units, and other sectors, which is key to effectively address
the needs of affected communities.
Facilitated
by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Agusan del
Norte and the Office of Civil Defense Caraga, the training ensured that
participants are now prepared to take on critical roles during emergency
situations.
Erma Suyo, chief of the PDRRMO reiterated that understanding EOC management is a cornerstone of disaster preparedness and is essential in reducing risks and damages within the community. “This initiative reflected the province’s proactive approach to disaster risk reduction and management, aiming to build a more resilient and safer Agusan del Norte,” she said. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
