Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija — On April 11-12, 2024, the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management – Philippines (A-PAD PH), in partnership with the municipality of Gabaldon, conducted the Microenterprise Resiliency Simulation (MERS) Tabletop Exercises. This event is a key component of the Micro-enterprise Resiliency Program (MERP), developed in 2022 by A-PAD PH and Bicol University. MERP focuses on strengthening the disaster resilience of microenterprises through a community-based approach.
The MERS initiative comprises two main activities: Activity 1, the Tabletop Exercise, and Activity 2, an Actual Drill. The goal is to integrate MERP into the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (BDRRMP) through these exercises. Participants aimed to grasp basic disaster risk reduction and management concepts, learn business continuity strategies, and enhance preparedness among microenterprises.
The event took place in three pilot barangays in Gabaldon: Barangay Pantoc, Barangay Tagumpay, and Barangay South Poblacion. It gathered microenterprise owners, barangay officials, partner organizations, and guests who participated in discussions and reviews of BDRRM Plans, drill scenarios, and implementation methods.
A-PAD PH Program Coordinator Cris Binas and Training Coordinator Ella May Perote facilitated the discussions. Key topics included the significant features of the BDRRMP and the importance of having microenterprise representation in these plans. The participants engaged in various workshops, such as identifying common hazards in each barangay, recognizing lifeline enterprises in different areas, and spot mapping to understand their exposure and vulnerabilities better.
Participants also shared insights on the roles of Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) in disaster preparedness, emergency response, rehabilitation, and recovery. They proposed programs and activities aimed at enhancing the resilience of BMBEs.
To conclude the event, each barangay received two megaphones for public announcements and early warning purposes during calamities and emergencies.
“We are very thankful to A-PAD PH for giving us the chance to be part of this initiative. This will help our barangay a lot, especially in terms of disaster preparedness and emergency response,” said Hon. Renato Octavo, Barangay Captain of Barangay Pantoc, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.