Bangsamoro Government focuses on proactive measures to enhance the country’s resilience against climate-related disasters which is particularly relevant to the Bangsamoro region. (Morsid Kadir/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Government is emphasizing tree planting and growing during the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) this July to bolster its ability to recover from both man-made and natural disasters.
With this year’s theme, “Bantayog ng Katatagan at ang Pagbubuklod sa Layuning Kahandaan” (Pillar of Resilience and Uniting for Preparedness), the focus is on proactive measures to enhance the country’s resilience against climate-related disasters which is particularly relevant to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The BARMM Government aims to build resilience against various types of disasters, both human-made and natural. Although the region experiences infrequent rains, certain areas are prone to flooding.
Additionally, conflicts can cause temporary displacements, yet residents often return and resume their livelihoods, showcasing the resilience of the Bangsamoro people.
Senior Development Officer Mauricio Civiles from the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) emphasized the importance of tree planting.
“We are giving emphasis now on tree growing with partnership with Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy(MENRE), Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and especially the local government units (LGUS) to mitigate the climate change,” Civiles said.
“MENRE will decide what kind of tree to plant because they are the ones who know better what kind of tree is not easily fall down, the coastal one will not just fall down, while MAFAR will decide kind of tree can easily survive in the coastal areas,” he added.
Civiles also advised against planting trees near highways, as road widening projects could lead to trees being cut down, creating hazards and wasting resources. This issue has occurred in areas like Kabacan and Buluan.
The MILG has conducted training related to disaster resilience, targeting LGUs as part of its mandate. Vulnerable barangays prone to landslides and floods were prioritized for these trainings.
The ministry encouraged families to create emergency plans and prepare disaster supply kits, known locally as “ebalde,” which are equivalent to “go bags” and should contain essentials like water, food, medication, flashlights, and important documents.
The regional government emphasized that solidarity and collective action are crucial to disaster resilience. Likewise, building strong connections with neighbors and community organizations is vital.
In cases where BARMM cannot respond alone, assistance can be sought from Regions 11 and 12, as well as the island provinces in Region 9, as outlined in the Bangsamoro Disaster Response Plan (BDRP), which will be launched at the end of this month. (Majid Nur/BIO)
