To strengthen the technical skills of teams in managing the deceased and missing persons during disasters, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), is holding its 1st Management of the Dead and Missing (MDM) training at the Eden Nature Park and Resort.
The training is being conducted in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).
CDRRMO Chief Alfredo Baloran said the three-day training, which started Monday, will provide the teams in the disaster council’s response cluster with the information and abilities they need to appropriately care for victims and their families during disasters.
He said it is a critical step to recognize the government’s crucial role in handling human remains after disasters.
He added that the activity is important to ensure that response cluster teams are knowledgeable about how to deal with missing people and bereaved family members in a way that respects their dignity and complies with the law.
“Every time man gud nga naa’y mga incidents, wala ta’y mga teams that will look into managing the situation, especially sa paghiluna sa mga victims, and to locate also katong mga buhi pa and na missing lang sila (We don’t have teams that will look into managing the situation, every time there are incidents, especially in locating the victims, and to locate those who are still alive and missing),” he said.
“It is important because we have to manage yong pagpahiluna sa mga victims especially the cadavers, kay naa man god ta’y ginasunod nga mga protocols, especially the chain of custody. Kailangan na sya nga dapat naa jud ta’y dispositions and properly identified ang mga victims (It is important because there are protocols that we must adhere to, particularly with regard to the chain of custody, and because we must oversee the placing of the victims, particularly the cadavers. We must have dispositions and accurately identify the victims),” he added.
He said the participants will become part of the response team that will be created in Davao City.
“We have to create a team that will respond kung aduna’y mga incidents kay para di na ta magsige og pangita pa. And with this training, we already have the master list of graduates (We need to assemble a team that will act in the event of a crisis, and there will be no need to look for one. With this training, we already have the master list of graduates),” he said.
A total of 40 personnel from various government offices and agencies in Davao City attended the activity.
The participants include personnel of the CDRRMO, City Health Office, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Scene of Crime Operations (SOCO), Philippine Coast Guard, and others.
Activities and lessons tackled on the first day include Rules and Regulations Governing the Management of the Dead and Missing Person, Management of the Dead and Missing and its Facilities, and handling dead bodies and body parts.
The management of missing persons, the management of the bereaved person, the last arrangements of the deceased, and system support to operations will all be covered on the second day. A simulation exercise aimed at boosting the trainees’ self-efficacy in the event of a crisis will take place on the third day.
Julie Dayaday, Officer-in-charge of the CSWDO, during her opening message said the training is part of the city government’s commitment to being ready for disasters.
“We cannot afford to be complacent. Preparedness is not just a good idea, it is essential. This training is a testament to city’s commitment to being ready,” Dayaday said.
She also encouraged the participants despite the challenges they may face during disasters.
“I know that serving in disaster response can be challenging. It can be emotionally demanding and sometimes we may not receive the recognition we deserve, but I want to encourage each one of us to keep serving with compassion and dedication,” she said.
“Your commitment to serving others even in the face of adversity inspires us all. Thank you for your dedication to making Davao City a safer and more resilient place,” she added. CIO
