Military and Local Government Unite for Disaster Preparedness in Sulu
In a significant move to bolster community resilience, the 1103rd Infantry "Kalis" Brigade (1103Bde) has joined forces with the Municipal Government of Jolo, Sulu, to conduct a comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Orientation Course. This critical training session took place on Monday, February 2, 2026, marking a proactive step towards enhancing disaster preparedness and response mechanisms at the grassroots level in the province.
Strengthening Local Disaster Response Capabilities
The orientation course was specifically designed for members of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) Council, including municipal and village officials, DRRM officers, first responders, and representatives from various concerned agencies. Conducted in collaboration with the Office of Civil Defense-9 (OCD-9), the program aimed to deepen participants' understanding of disaster risk reduction principles, preparedness planning, and coordinated response strategies.
During the session, resource speakers from OCD-9 delivered in-depth lectures covering several key areas:
- The legal framework governing DRRM initiatives in the Philippines
- Specific roles and responsibilities of the LDRRM Council
- Techniques for hazard identification and comprehensive risk assessment
- The crucial importance of inter-agency coordination during emergencies
"Emphasis was placed on aligning local DRRM initiatives with national policies and ensuring an effective, community-based approach to disaster preparedness," the 1103Bde emphasized in their official statement.
Building a Foundation for Future Training
The DRRM orientation serves as a foundational component within a broader capacity-building program planned by the military unit. Following this initial course, participants will engage in a three-Day Basic Incident Command System (ICS) Training Level 1. This integrated approach ensures that local stakeholders not only understand disaster preparedness principles theoretically but also gain practical skills to operate within a standardized command and coordination structure during actual emergencies.
The Kalis brigade highlighted that this training underscores the vital importance of proactive disaster preparedness, particularly for local government leaders and frontline stakeholders who play critical roles before, during, and after emergency situations.
Expanding Disaster Readiness Across Sulu Province
This initiative represents part of the 1103Bde's sustained effort to enhance disaster readiness across all municipalities within its Area of Responsibility. Building upon similar trainings conducted in four municipalities last year, the brigade has designated Jolo as the starting point for this year's activities.
"With Jolo as the starting point for this year's activities, we seek to ensure comprehensive disaster readiness across the province of Sulu," the 1103Bde stated, reaffirming their commitment to community safety and resilience.
This collaborative effort between military and local government units demonstrates a growing recognition of the need for coordinated disaster management strategies in vulnerable regions, potentially serving as a model for other provinces facing similar environmental challenges.
