Davao City, July 31, 2023 – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) XI has recognized the efforts of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XI, under the leadership of Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim, CESO II, as Vice-Chair of the Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Committee, for having significantly contributed to the successful conduct of the RDRRMC XI undertakings in 2023. Specifically, during the launching of the 2023 National Disaster Resilience Month on July 1, 2023, Dir. Lim delivered a message that emphasized the importance of government interventions in psychosocial support services that will ensure every Davaeño’s physical, emotional and mental well-being during and after a disaster. Further, she cited the crucial role of the Committee in ensuring that education, health and social protection services are continuously available and accessible to disaster-affected individuals to restore their normal functioning, as espoused in the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan or the RDRRMP, 2021-2028.

The recognition also included the valuable contributions of NEDA XI in the following undertakings: a) active participation during the conduct of the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment or PDNA in the affected areas of Davao de Oro in the aftermath of the earthquake series and the subsequent formulation of the Davao de Oro Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan: 2023 Earthquake Series; and b) comprehensive assessment of Local DRRM Councils, schools, government emergency response management system and individuals who excel in DRR/CCA works in Davao Region for the conferment of the 2023 Gawad KALASAG Seal for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance.   -Alana O. San Pedro, NEDA XI