Workshop on Local Best Practices in Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts Held at DLSU

On May 5, 2016, members of the research team of the study “Sow the Seeds of Change: Local Best Practices in Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts” met for a workshop at the DLSU University Fellows Room, 2nd Floor, Yuchengco Building. Three case studies on best practices demonstrating efforts geared toward disaster risk reduction initiatives were discussed. Headed by University Fellow and former SDRC Director Dr. Exaltacion E. Lamberte, the team  composed of DLSU-SDRC research fellow Dr. Melvin Jabar, Dr. Nanette L. Mayol of the University of San Carlos-Cebu City Office of Population Studies and Dr. Charlie Labarda of the University of the Philippines-Palo Leyte (on study leave from Hongkong University) seeks to identify success factors running through these disaster risk reduction efforts, and the mechanisms by which the efforts have been implemented.

The workshop provided the opportunity to share updates on the status of the local case studies being done, to review as well the different methodologies applied and the resulting changes or adjustments done while on fieldwork to ensure collection of adequate data, and to map out action plans for dissemination, data utilization and publication.

During the workshop, Dr. Labarda presented the case study on “Strengthening the Resiliency of Tertiary Hospitals in Tacloban City”;  his research associate, Dr. Meredith Labarda of the School of Health Sciences at U.P. – Palo presented the case study on “Strengths and Resiliency of Tertiary Hospitals in Tacloban City:  Bethany Hospital”; Dr. Mayol presented the case study on “Mobilizing Professional Organization in the Health Services Delivery amidst Humanitarian Emergency Situations in Northern Cebu”; and Dr. Jabar presented the case study on “Transit Stations for Displaced Typhoon Survivors.”

Among the main points discussed were: 1) identifying common best practices for each level of organization; 2) contextualizing and defining resiliency in both private and public organizations; 3) investigating the relationships between national and local government units; 4) the role of international organizations vis-à-vis local, and private organizations; and 5) characterizing successful models for partnership in humanitarian work within the context of a disaster situation.

The study is funded by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST).