The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (FO 1) – Ilocos Region’s commitment to building local governments’ capacity on emergencies is critical in ensuring a more organized and effective disaster preparedness and response across the region. As part of this effort, 43 Provincial and Local Government Units (P/LGUs) were successfully provided training on Camp Coordination and Camp Management and Internally Displaced Persons (CCCM and IDPP) Protection in 2024.
The training was designed to enhance LGUs’ ability to effectively manage evacuation camps during emergencies, ensuring the protection, dignity, and well-being of displaced populations. It also emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive Camp Management Plan, which ensures that camps and settlements are managed efficiently and that displaced persons’ basic needs are met. Such plans are important for managing large numbers of displaced individuals, particularly in the aftermath of disasters like the 2024 Super Typhoon (ST) “Kristine.”
During the onslaught of ST “Kristine”, the province of Pangasinan reported that 150,799 families, equivalent to 571,291 individuals, were affected. In response to the devastation, 107 evacuation camps were established. As a result of the widespread damage, three LGUs — Anda, Bani, and Dagupan City — declared a state of calamity.
The Province of Pangasinan through Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) expressed their gratitude to DSWD FO 1 and highlighted how the training enhanced their ability to respond to displacement situations and improve the quality of assistance provided to IDPs.
“We are grateful for the guidance and technical assistance provided by DSWD FO 1. The CCCM and IDP Protection training has equipped us with the necessary tools and knowledge to better serve our communities, especially during displacement. With the extensive impacts of last year’s weather disturbances hit in 2024, we were able to effectively apply learnings from the training, allowing us to respond with both efficiency and compassion to the needs of the IDPs,” Leilanie Bolivar, PSWDO Pangasinan Disaster Focal Person.
DSWD emphasized that the CCCM and IDP Protection Training goes beyond immediate disaster response; it is also focused on building long-term resilience. The training prepares LGUs for various displacement scenarios, assisting them to build more resilient communities capable of managing future crises.
Through collaborative efforts and strategic planning, the DSWD FO 1 and LGUs are working together to strengthen community resilience. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, this built partnership will be one of the keys to ensuring stronger, more compassionate responses to displacement and emergencies.(by: Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen, Information Officer II)
