THE DEPARTMENT of Education gathered officials and members of the Management Committee for an orientation that aims to adequately equip the agency during disasters and emergencies.

Spearheaded by the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service, the orientation seeks to guide the officials in crafting the agency’s own Public Service Continuity Plan. It shares strategies and mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted operations and improved response in times of any disruptions, emergencies or disasters.

“Itong month [National Disaster Resilience Month] na to pinapaalala sa atin that it is not a question of if it [disaster] happens, but it is a question of when it happens, kailan siya mangyayari. What we can only do, what we can only control is in terms of preparation,” Christian Rivero, DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service director, said.

Office of Civil Defense representative Raffy Lucas said that continuity planning supports the continuous execution of vital duties, eliminates disruptions to operations and ensures succession to agency leadership during disasters and disruptions.

In line with the theme “BIDAng Pilipino: Building a Stronger Filipino Well-being towards Disaster Resilience,” DRRMS also conducted the “Ready at Work, Ready at Home: A Resilience Forum” that acknowledges the importance of one’s well-being in strengthening resilience and preparedness for disasters and other emergencies.

The forum was attended by DepEd Central Office Disaster Management Group members and other personnel.