The Bayanihan spirit of Northern Mindanao local government units and DILG field officers was on full display as another disaster challenged the resiliency of each Mindanaoans, when it was needed most.

What was supposed to be a festive season turned into a calamity when a shear line and wind convergence hit disaster-vulnerable areas of NorMin which brought mass floods and landslides in the region, prompting the people to evacuate their residents.

The Provinces of Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental were heavily affected, causing casualties to nearby provinces and damage to houses, infrastructure, and agriculture.

DILG field officers at full-throttle

Despite the widespread destruction in the area, NorMin LGUs remain proactive in their lines of services as various initiatives and coordination were made during the disaster. The quick disaster responses from the neighboring municipalities provided immediate assistance to the affected families and individuals.

Constant coordination and meetings were conducted by the DILG Misamis Occidental, through Provincial Director (PD) Jun Benitez, and its Provincial Local Government Unit to conduct assessment and briefing on the extent of the damage of mass flooding in the province.

On December 25, DILG Misamis Occidental through its Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Focal Person attended the DRRM Council Meeting with the Provincial Local Government of Misamis Occidental to discuss government relief and rescue efforts in the wake of the calamity.

Meanwhile, DILG field officers and LGUs convened emergency meetings and donation drives to municipalities greatly affected by the flood. The municipalities of Bonifacio, Lopez Jaena, Panaon, and the City of Ozamiz, through its City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (C/MLGOOs) conducted various operations like riverside and evacuee monitoring as well as relief operations assistance to their respective areas of responsibility.

The City of Tangub, through its City Disaster Risk and Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) responded with a search and operations to low-lying affected areas in Clarin, Misamis Occidental – one of the greatly affected municipalities in the province.

Further, the City Government of Cagayan de Oro deployed a team from its City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) to help and distribute relief packs and medical supplies to the affected areas of Misamis Occidental.

Bayanihan amidst calamity

As Northern Mindanao continues to experience irregular weather conditions, DILG 10 Regional Director Wilhelm M. Suyko, CESO IV, reminded everyone to be vigilant and cooperative in times of disaster.

“The cooperation of all is imperative to make our citizens safe from any untoward incidents during the occurrence of heavy rains and floods,” he expressed.

RD Suyko further thanked all local government units and volunteers who extended help and chose to share their time, effort, and even resources for the individuals and families affected by the calamity.

“I thank all our LGUs, our local chief executives, who have been true to their service, even leaving their families at home just to be physically present in their jurisdictions. My snappy salute to all of you,” he added.

The DILG Lanao del Norte through Provincial Director Bruce A. Colao also encouraged its LCEs to give in-kind donations to the affected areas of MisOcc.

“In a show of solidarity and concern for the welfare of our affected brothers and sisters, may we implore your charity, compassion, and generosity to afford some assistance (for the people affected by the flood),” he said.

As the vice-chair on disaster preparedness, the DILG is mandated to equip the LGUs with the necessary skills needed to proactively establish disaster preparedness and resiliency measures in their localities. (DILG ORD / M. Bacud)