The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII's Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) successfully conducted a comprehensive three-day training on the Management of the Dead and Missing Persons (MDM) at the Venue 88 Hotel and Events Place in General Santos City on December 4-6, 2024. The training aims to capacitate the selected participants to develop/enhance their competencies on MDM, specifically on the policy frameworks, component, protocols, standards, guidelines, reporting forms and templates, and systems of coordination and interoperability in the performance of their functions during emergencies and disasters.
The participants included key local government representatives from selected LGUs, such as Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs), Local Social Welfare and Development Officers (LSWDO), Local Health Officers (LHOs), Chiefs of Police (COPs), Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs), and DILG Provincial Focal Persons from Kiamba, Glan, Norala, Surallah, Lake Sebu, Kabacan, Pigcawayan, PLGU Cotabato, Lebak, and PLGU Sultan Kudarat. The training team, which comprised of national trainers of MDM from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is Atty. Anne Bernadette A. Mendiola, Attorney IV, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) SN1 Lawrence F Lee, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XII Engr. Diego U. Laguna, Civil Defense Officer V, from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XII, Kim Koli M. Jagonod, RN, and from DILG XII, LGOOs V Sheila Mae G. Kubik and Mary Eulen Y. Abdilah, worked together to deliver the training.
In his message, DILG XII Officer-in-Charge and Provincial Director of DILG South Cotabato Hayd Ali S. Suwaib underscored the importance of empowering Local Government Units (LGUs) in disaster preparedness. He highlighted that LGUs must already be familiar with the proper protocols for MDM when disasters occur to ensure that legal norms are followed. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of respecting the dignity of the deceased and their families in accordance with cultural and religious beliefs, which is a key aspect of MDM. He expressed hope that this training would not be necessitated by situations involving the LGUs, as the goal is to avoid any casualties in their communities.
The training employed a variety of learning methods, including interactive lecture-discussions, workshops, plenary discussions, and simulation activities, spread across nine modules. Participants had the opportunity to engage in a simulation exercise designed to assess their understanding of the course content and their ability to apply it in real-world scenarios.
The training concluded with a graduation ceremony for the participants, marking the successful completion of the activity.
This initiative reflects the Department's ongoing commitment to enhancing the disaster preparedness capabilities of LGUs, ensuring that they are equipped to manage complex situations with confidence and respect for the affected individuals. Through such capacity-building efforts, the DILG Dose continues to champion excellence in disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that LGUs are better equipped to handle MDM situations in emergencies and disasters.
