25/07/2026
The Municipality of Basey under the leadership of Mayor Luz Basas Chu Ponferrada reaffirmed its commitment to building a disaster-resilient community as it successfully conducted the Pangandaman Forum 2026 on July 24, 2026, at the Basey Municipal Gymnasium through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office headed by Engr. Rowena A. Olfato as part of the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month 2026, the forum gathered local government officials, regional and provincial government agencies, youth leaders, emergency responders, MLGU Employees, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders for a day of learning, dialogue, and collaboration.
Carrying this year's National Disaster Resilience Month theme, "Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Ligtas at Matatag na Bagong Pilipinas," the activity served as a platform to deepen public understanding of disaster risk reduction and management while reinforcing the importance of collective action in creating safer and more resilient communities.
In her welcome message, Mayor Luz Basas Chu-Ponferrada, Local Chief Executive and Chairperson of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), emphasized that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of government agencies, communities, and every Basaynon. Mayor Ponferrada encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity to learn from experts and apply these lessons in strengthening their respective communities.
The forum featured a distinguished lineup of disaster resilience advocates and experts who shared valuable knowledge on various aspects of disaster risk reduction and management.
Leading the discussions was Dir. Arnel M. Agabe, CESO III, Regional Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VIII, underscored the critical role of local government units in disaster governance through his presentation on "Strengthening Local Governance for Disaster-Resilient Communities: The Role of LGUs in Building a Culture of Preparedness." He emphasized that effective leadership, sound policies, and community participation remain key pillars in achieving disaster resilience.
Meanwhile, Engr. Nellie F. Camaya from Provincial DRRM Office of the Province of Samar, who presented an in-depth discussion on "Understanding Disaster Risks in Samar: Hazards, Vulnerabilities, and Preparedness." her lecture highlighted the province's disaster profile, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment, preparedness planning, and community awareness in minimizing the impacts of natural hazards.
Further strengthening the discussions, Rey M. Gozon, Chief of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division and Assistant Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VIII, delivered a presentation on "Strengthening Local Disaster Resilience Through Collaboration and Shared Responsibility." He highlighted the importance of partnerships among government agencies, the private sector, volunteer organizations, and local communities in enhancing disaster preparedness and emergency response.
Completing the roster of resource speakers was Nena L. Getalado, SWO IV/OIC Division Chief of the Disaster Response Management Division of DSWD Field Office VIII, who discussed the Relief Augmentation Process in Disaster Response Operations. Her presentation provided participants with a clearer understanding of how relief resources are mobilized, coordinated, and distributed during emergencies to ensure that assistance reaches affected communities promptly and efficiently.
One of the highlights of the forum was the Dialogue with DRR Advocates and Open Forum, where participants actively engaged with the speakers by raising questions, sharing experiences, and discussing practical approaches to addressing disaster-related challenges within their communities. The interactive session fostered meaningful exchanges that further strengthened public awareness and encouraged collaborative solutions for local disaster resilience.
The day's activities also included the Eucharistic Mass and Blessing of the Newly Purchased Water Tanker, symbolizing the municipality's continued investment in enhancing its emergency response capabilities and ensuring better public service during times of crisis.
In the afternoon, the municipality honored outstanding individuals and organizations through the Pangandaman Excellence Awards, while winners of the On-the-Spot Painting Competition received recognition for creatively promoting disaster awareness and resilience through art.
The event concluded with the opening of the Kaandaman Kabataan 3.0 Resilience Camp, a youth-centered initiative that aims to equip young Basaynons with essential knowledge, leadership skills, and practical disaster preparedness competencies, empowering them to become future champions of resilience in their respective communities.
Through the successful conduct of the Pangandaman Forum 2026, the Municipality of Basey once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness, strengthening partnerships among stakeholders, and empowering every Basaynon to become an active participant in building a safer, stronger, and more disaster-resilient municipality.
