Southern Leyte Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officers' Organization

DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS | March 13, 2026

ADEL’S PRIVATE SUITES, SAN JUAN, SOUTHERN LEYTE

The SOLEDRRMO Inc. 1st Quarter Conference officially commenced with the Gawad KALASAG Caravan Orientation, bringing together Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers from across the Province of Southern Leyte to strengthen coordination and advance DRRM initiatives among local government units.

Participants were warmly welcomed by Hon. Lou Bienvenido G. Laplap, Vice Mayor of the Municipality of San Juan, representing Municipal Mayor Hon. Reynaldo D. Saludo, with the activity hosted by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of San Juan headed by MDRRMO Sir Clarence Mantua.

An inspiring message was delivered by Mr. Rey M. Gozon, Chief of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division of the Office of Civil Defense Region VIII, followed by a message from PDRRMO Dr. Danilo A. Atienza, emphasizing the importance of strong coordination and continued capacity-building among DRRM practitioners in the province. This was followed by the message of Dir. Joel S. Erestain, CSEE, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense Region VIII, highlighting the importance of collaboration and strengthening DRRM systems among local government units.

The Gawad KALASAG Caravan discussions were facilitated by Ms. Sher Rysiah M. Saises, Chief of the Operations Section, together with Mr. Neko P. Tupaz, Gawad KALASAG Alternate Focal, both from OCD Region VIII, guiding LGUs on the standards and preparations for the Gawad KALASAG Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance.

A backgrounder on the DOST Memorandum of Agreement was shared by PDRRMO Dr. Danilo A. Atienza, followed by the MOA Orientation conducted by Mr. Mark Anthony Degamo of DOST, highlighting the role of science and technology in strengthening disaster preparedness and risk-informed planning.

The activity was led by SOLEDRRMO Inc. President Ms. Heddy C. Carbonilla, LPT, MAEd, MCDRM, together with DRRM Officers from the municipalities and Maasin City.

This activity was made possible through the strong support of the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte led by Governor Hon. Damian G. Mercado through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office headed by Dr. Danilo A. Atienza.

A meaningful first day filled with collaboration, shared learning, and renewed commitment toward building safer, adaptive, and disaster-resilient communities.