Four towns in various provinces in the region were pilot areas for the implementation of Gender Responsive Governance Disaster Risk Reduction project.

OCD 6 Training Specialist Donna Magno said these towns are Alimodian in Iloilo, Libacao in Aklan, Sigma in Capiz and Nueva Valencia in Guimaras.

The project, said Magno, aims to facilitate the development of disaster resilient communities through a gender-responsive local disaster risk and reduction management councils.

Along with Alimodian, the three municipalities, based on the record of disaster occurrences of OCD 6 and assessment of MGB and PHIVOLCS, are prone to various types of hazards. Alimodian and Libacao are prone to flood and landslide while Sigma is prone to flood and Nueva Valencia, prone to earthquake and tsunami.

Under the project, Magno said pilot areas can expect the following: creation of a pool of DRR trainers and facilitators; activation and functionality of LDRRMCs; community-based DRRM assessment and planning; development of DRR materials; and database of LGU DRR profile.

"If the outcome of the project turns out well after a year of implementation we will replicate it in the other areas of the region," said Magno.

Entitled "Building a Resilient and Gender-Responsive Communities in Selected Hazard Prone Areas in Western Visayas", the project is implemented by OCD 6 in partnership with the local government units.*PIA