Imagine living in a community where every individual is equipped to handle disasters, from typhoons to earthquakes.
If you’ve ever worried about the safety of your family and neighbors during emergencies, the BRAVE AKO Training Program offers a solution.
This program, launched by the DILG-NCR’s Metro Manila Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Resilience Network, is designed for barangay officials, community leaders, and volunteers who want to take proactive steps to reduce disaster risks and build stronger communities.
Through a combination of training workshops and hands-on activities, the program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance local disaster resilience.
Participation is open to selected barangays and stakeholders, with no direct costs, but with the goal of creating lasting benefits for everyone involved.
Who’s this Training Program For?
The BRAVE AKO Training Program is crafted for barangay officials, community volunteers, and sectoral representatives who play an active part in local disaster management.
Participants include over 380 Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (BDRRM) Committee members, representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), and private sector stakeholders from 41 barangays in Marikina, Muntinlupa, Pasig, Taguig, and Quezon City.
In addition, 24 representatives from Local Colleges and Universities and City DRRM Offices are also engaged to enhance collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
If you’re part of any of these groups, this program is your opportunity to contribute meaningfully to your community’s safety and preparedness.
What Does the Program Offer?
The BRAVE AKO Training Program combines expert-led sessions and interactive workshops to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
Orientation and Lectures
Participants begin with an overview of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) 2020-2030, National Disaster Preparedness Plan 2015-2028, and the Operation L!STO Program.
These lectures, led by experts from DILG and the Office of Civil Defense, provide a strong foundation in disaster preparedness and response.
Workshops for Community Empowerment
The program includes practical workshops to equip participants with actionable tools for disaster risk reduction and management:
- Organizational Stocktaking Workshop: This session helps BDRRM Committees assess their current programs and identify areas for improvement.
- Stakeholder Mapping Workshop: Participants identify key community members who can join their disaster volunteer groups, fostering collaboration and inclusivity.
Why Should You Join?
Joining the BRAVE AKO Training Program isn’t just about gaining new skills—it’s about creating a safer future for everyone.
When communities are prepared, they can respond effectively to emergencies, minimizing damage and saving lives.
This program empowers you to:
- Strengthen your community’s disaster response capabilities.
- Build a network of trained volunteers ready to act when needed.
- Enhance collaboration between local governments, CSOs, and private entities.
- Protect the safety and well-being of your loved ones.
How Does the Program Work?
The training program runs from September to November 2024 and is structured to maximize learning and community engagement.
Participants undergo modules that cover disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
These modules are designed not only to educate but also to inspire participants to take actionable steps in their barangays.
A Collaborative Approach to Resilience
The BRAVE AKO Training Program thrives on collaboration.
Local government units, national agencies, and community stakeholders come together to create a unified approach to disaster risk reduction.
For instance, barangay officials work alongside representatives from TESDA, EMB7, and private organizations, ensuring that every sector contributes to building resilience.
This multi-sectoral effort embodies the spirit of bayanihan, where everyone works together for a common goal.
Recent Updates
Strengthening Communities Through the BRAVE AKO Training Program
The BRAVE AKO Training Program recently culminated with a comprehensive disaster preparedness workshop at Arden Hills Suites, Quezon City.
Barangay DRRM Committee members, including Punong Barangay Quirino Sarono and Kagawad Jobert Quiambao, joined participants from various NCR LGUs to enhance earthquake readiness.
Through reflective sessions and stakeholder mapping activities, participants identified community leaders and volunteers to support disaster management efforts.
This program embodies the shared commitment to building safer, stronger neighborhoods through teamwork and proactive planning.
Over 60 BDRRMC members and sectoral representatives from nine barangays in Muntinlupa recently gathered for the final leg of the BRAVE AKO Training Program.
Among the participants was Sangguniang Barangay Member Jeramel Mendoza of Barangay Sucat, recognized twice as the Most Resilient Barangay in the city.
The Muntinlupa rollout, held from November 11 to 13, 2024, at B Hotel in Ayala Alabang, highlighted best practices and innovative approaches to disaster readiness.
This program exemplifies how local communities can foster preparedness and resilience through collaborative learning and shared experiences.
The BRAVE AKO Training Program will officially conclude on December 2, 2024, with a showcase of achievements from the participating barangays in the region.
Video: 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘 & 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧 | 𝗗𝗜𝗟𝗚-𝗡𝗖𝗥 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗱𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘆 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗞𝗢 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺
Over 70 barangay officials and sectoral representatives from nine barangays in Quezon City successfully completed foundational BRAVE AKO training modules.
The training, held from September 18 to 20, 2024, covered topics such as disaster risk planning, psychological first aid, and camp management.
DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin awarded certificates and urged the graduates to apply their skills in strengthening community preparedness.
This accomplishment highlights the dedication of local leaders to creating safer, more resilient neighborhoods.
The BRAVE AKO rollout continues in Marikina and Pasig, building on the progress achieved in Quezon City.
Final Thoughts
As the program rolls out, its ultimate goal is to create communities that are not only prepared but also resilient in the face of disasters.
By joining this program, you’re not just gaining knowledge—you’re becoming part of a movement that values safety, collaboration, and proactive governance.
Take the first step today by engaging with your barangay officials or community leaders.
Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more resilient tomorrow.