Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office-Flora, Apayao

07/07/2025

Apayao PLGU steps up local disaster risk plans to build safer, more prepared communities

The Provincial Government of Apayao (PGA), together with its seven municipalities, is updating its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) plans to align with the most recent national and international frameworks.

With support from the Office of Civil Defense–Cordillera Administrative Region (OCD–CAR) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government–Apayao (DILG), the initiative aims to connect local planning with bigger goals on sustainable development and disaster readiness. It also encourages stronger coordination between government agencies, private groups, civil society, and the academe.

At the center of the upgrade is the Enhanced Local DRRM Plan Formulation Guidebook, which introduces a more complete approach and pushes for long-term, forward-looking strategies beyond the usual planning cycles.

The first technical workshop was held from June 10 to 12, 2025, in Santa Ana, Cagayan. A second session will follow from June 25 to 27. These workshops give LGUs practical tools and guidance for refining their local DRRM plans.

This effort supports the full implementation of Republic Act No. 10121, which calls for inclusive and integrated disaster risk reduction planning in all levels of local government.

By investing in early planning and preparedness, the province continues to take steps toward building communities that are better equipped to face future challenges.

APIO – Diocen Tolentino

07/07/2025

07/07/2025

ICYMI | DepEd issues revised guidelines on class suspensions during disasters

The Department of Education has issued DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024, updating the rules on class and work suspension in schools during disasters and emergencies. The policy aims to protect learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel while ensuring continued learning.

Suspension Guidelines:

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1
• Automatic suspension of classes for Kindergarten in affected areas.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2
• Automatic suspension of face-to-face classes from Kindergarten to Grade 10 (Junior High School).
• Schools must implement modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes, based on their Learning and Service Continuity Plan (LSCP).

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 or higher
• Automatic suspension of classes and work in all levels in the affected areas.

In the absence of LGU declaration or automatic suspension:
• School heads or ALS coordinators may suspend classes or work, provided there is proper coordination with the Local Chief Executive and Schools Division Superintendent.
• Schools must shift to alternative delivery modes in accordance with the LSCP to meet learning objectives.

For the complete guidelines, access DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024: https://tinyurl.com/DO22series2024

07/07/2025