In the first Project Steering Committee for 2018, BLAST DRRM invited DRRM hub beneficiaries to prepare them for the soon to pilot BLAST DRRM Training Program. BLAST DRRM – short for Blended Learning Approach to Strengthen DRRM is an innovative program that aims to use both face-to-face (F2F) and online learning to build the capacities of local CSOs in DRRM.

The program will utilize the current roster of CODE-NGO’s training program which has been accredited with Four Stars by the Local Government Training and Resource Institute-Philippine Network (LoGoTRI-PhilNet) and the Local Government Academy (LGA). The program consists of training programs that aims to strengthen community participation and organizational capacities to better respond and prepare for disasters.

Current developments on the program is the on-going digitization of the modules and capturing of case studies which has recently concluded. The case studies are a rich mix of different methods and approaches to Community Based DRRM from all around the Philippines through CODE NGO’s member networks. Specifically, the case studies will be featuring works in DRRM of: Shontoug Foundation based in the Cordillera, CENVISNET (Central Visayas Network of NGOs) and FORGE (Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors) Network based in Cebu City, ICODE (Iloilo Caucus of Development NGOs) based in Iloilo, and Mindanao-based Agri-Aqua Development Coalition (AADC) featuring their efforts in Maragusan, Compostela Valley. These case studies have been directed under the efforts of renowned writer/editor Mr. Erick Lirios, who was also responsible for CODE-NGO’s 25^th anniversary coffee table book entitled “Higit Pa”.

Pilot training will be starting in the late weeks of May in the Cordillera Hub, Central Visayas Hub, and CARAGA Hub. Those around the areas specified that are interested to join should contact their hub managers and lead organizations to enroll in the pilot training.

John Joel de Guzman is the Project Officer of the BLAST-DRRM Project.