DISASTER RESPONSE PARTNERS. Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao (right) and Regina Salvador-Antequisa, executive director of Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (Ecoweb), sign a disaster response partnership agreement on Monday (Sept. 9, 2024). The program, which makes Iligan City the first implementer of the Survivor and Community-Led Response (SCLR) Approach–Anticipatory Action Pilot Project, aims to empower disaster survivors to lead recovery efforts in their communities. (Photo courtesy of Iligan CIO)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Iligan City government and a non-government organization have partnered to launch a PHP4-million disaster response program, making the city a pioneer in implementing a survivor-centered approach.
In a ceremony on Monday, Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao and Regina Salvador-Antequisa, executive director of Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (Ecoweb), signed an agreement to introduce the Survivor and Community-Led Response (SCLR) Approach—Anticipatory Action Pilot Project.
Under the agreement, both the local government and Ecoweb will each allocate PHP2 million to fund the initiative, which aims to empower disaster survivors to take an active role in the recovery process of their communities.
“The SCLR approach shifts the focus from external aid to community-driven efforts, ensuring that survivors are at the forefront of rebuilding and decision-making,” Siao said, emphasizing the city's commitment to enhancing disaster resilience.
Ecoweb, an Iligan-based NGO with 18 years of experience, has long been involved in disaster response through capacity-building programs for communities and stakeholders.
“The program represents a step forward in how we approach disaster management, fostering collaboration between the government and communities to create a more sustainable and inclusive recovery process,” Salvador-Antequisa said.
The SCLR approach is set to strengthen Iligan City's disaster preparedness and response capabilities by encouraging community ownership and proactive action in the face of potential disasters. (PNA)
