26 MARCH 2022,ORMOC CITY, EASTERN VISAYAS –The Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Philippines (A-PAD PH) launched its Human Resource Network (HRN) in Ormoc City, Eastern Visayas having 18 volunteers. The main objective of the HRN is to uphold a sustainable engagement that could cater to immediate and timely needs of Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) on both preparedness and response. The youth volunteers would serve as one of the first major responders during disaster emergencies in Eastern Visayas.
Moreover, as first responders during on-the-ground activities, the HRN of volunteers would also raise the presence of A-PAD PH on the community level. The orientation and launching event was opened by Ms. Athea Peñaloza, OIC-Executive Director of A-PAD PH, wherein she proudly acknowledged the willingness and efforts of the volunteers to be part of the HRN. The event also highlighted a brief situationer on DRRM in Leyte presented by Ms. Fatima Ebcas from Ormoc City DRRMO. She discussed the geographical location of Eastern Visayas, making the area highly prone to both natural and man-made disasters such as flooding, storm surges, landslides, and earthquakes. Moreover, Noel V. Barquera Chairman of the Board, Ormoc CCI. One of the main highlights for closing the HRN launching was the pledge of commitment recited by the volunteers which also included the code of conduct. Ms. Cris Biñas, Program Coordinator of A-PAD PH, gave her closing message to end the morning session of the HRN.