DSWD Team Balikatan Rescue in Emergencies (TeamBRE) Project

Team Balikatan Rescue in Emergencies (TeamBRE) is a significant project by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) aimed at mobilizing fisherfolk for rescue and evacuation operations during disasters.

Targeting families in coastal barangays and disaster-prone areas, the Project boosts community resilience by training fisherfolk in calamity disaster preparedness and response, while also providing alternative income sources during lean or typhoon months.

Expect comprehensive training in emergency skills, support services, and organized community efforts to effectively manage and respond to disasters, safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable communities.

CADRE
Credits: DSWD Caraga / X

What is TeamBRE?

Team Balikatan Rescue in Emergencies, or TeamBRE, mobilizes fisherfolk to assist in rescue and evacuation operations during disasters.

This project specifically targets families in coastal barangays and disaster-prone areas.

Objectives of the Project

The primary aim of the Project is to create a resilient community by training fisherfolk to respond effectively during emergencies.

Additionally, it provides an alternative source of income during lean or typhoon months.

Specifically, the program seeks to:

  • Enhance disaster preparedness and response skills among fisherfolk.
  • Organize fisherfolk as TeamBRE volunteers to safely respond during disasters, in partnership with local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils.
  • Supplement fisherfolk’s income during lean or typhoon periods.
BLS
Credits: DSWD Caraga / X

Target Beneficiaries

The Project targets fisherfolk and their families living in low-lying, hazard-prone coastal areas and major rivers.

Components of the Project

The TeamBRE project consists of three main components:

1. Capability Building

This involves training TeamBRE volunteers and project partners on family-based disaster preparedness and Community Action for Disaster Response (CADRE).

Training topics include:

CADRE Training:

  • Common Hazards & Community Response Group: This component covers disaster preparedness and response strategies.
  • Securing Family & Preparing for Response: This includes family safety planning and emergency preparedness measures.
  • First Aid & Basic Life Support: The training covers basic life-saving skills such as CPR and basic first aid.
  • Incident Command System & Community Quick Response Sorting Technique: This component teaches the fisherfolk how to coordinate and respond effectively during emergencies.
  • Dead Body Management: The training includes procedures for handling and managing deceased bodies in disaster situations.
  • Fire Emergencies: The fisherfolk are trained on basic fire safety and response techniques.
  • Basic Search and Rescue: This includes search techniques and basic rescue methods.
  • Water Emergencies: The training covers water safety and basic rescue techniques.

These components aim to enhance the skills of fisherfolk in disaster preparedness and response, enabling them to respond safely and effectively during emergencies.

cadre training
Credits: DSWD Caraga / X

2. Support Services

Support services include cash-for-work, food-for-work, skills training, livelihood assistance, and educational support for project volunteers and their families.

3. Community Mobilization

This component involves organizing trained volunteers, mapping resources, and forming partnerships to enhance disaster preparedness and response.

Pilot Areas

TeamBRE was initially implemented in Bacacay, Albay (Region V); Tacloban City (Region VIII); and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur (CARAGA Region).

Highlights of the Pilot Implementation:

  • 150 fisherfolk were trained in CADRE and served as first responders during emergencies.
  • In Hinatuan, 25 volunteers acted as Deputized Fish Wardens, monitoring illegal activities.
  • Eight volunteers and 13 project partners shared their CADRE skills with untrained fisherfolk.
  • Reduced casualty rates among fisherfolk.
  • Fisherfolk engaged in various livelihood projects such as mangrove planting, seaweed production, and backyard gardening.
  • The project increased community resilience during emergencies.
  • The program was replicated in several local government units (LGUs), showing its effectiveness and adaptability.
DSWD-Team-Balikatan-Rescue-in-Emergencies-Project
Credits: DSWD-STB

Recent Updates

Empowering Fishermen for Community Resilience

One of TeamBRE’s key objectives is to establish a volunteer group from fishermen to bolster community resiliency and provide alternative livelihood options during the rainy season or typhoons. By engaging fishermen as volunteers, the Project aims to enhance disaster preparedness and support sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable areas. Through this effort, TeamBRE strives to build a proactive and resilient community capable of effectively responding to emergencies and adverse weather conditions.

National Orientation and Basic CADRE Conduct for TeamBRE Project

The DSWD-SocTech Bureau and DRMB organized the National Orientation and Basic CADRE training for the TeamBRE Project. This aims to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to effectively contribute to community resilience and emergency response efforts. Through this training, the Project seeks to enhance the capabilities of volunteers and strengthen disaster management practices in the region.

Video: TEAMBRE (Team Balikatan Rescue in Emergencies Project)

TEAMBRE, also known as Team Balikatan Rescue in Emergencies Project, is a collaborative project focused on swift and effective response during emergencies. Comprising dedicated professionals, the Project aims to provide timely assistance and support in crisis situations to ascertain the safety and well-being of those in need. Through strategic planning and coordinated efforts, TEAMBRE endeavors to enhance emergency response capabilities and mitigate the impact of disasters.

 

Conclusion

The TeamBRE project equips fisherfolk and their families to handle typhoons and other calamities effectively.

By providing disaster response training and alternative livelihood opportunities, the Project significantly enhances community resilience in coastal areas.

This project not only prepares fisherfolk for emergencies but also offers them sustainable ways to support their families during difficult times.

Contact Information: Social Technology Bureau

For inquiries about the Project, contact the Social Technology Bureau (STB) at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.

Address: Social Technology Bureau, 3rd Floor, Matapat Building, Department of Social Welfare and Development – Central Office, IBP Road, Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City

Telephone: +632 8951 7124 / 8951 2802 / 8931 8144

Email: soctech@dswd.gov.ph

Website: DSWD STB 

Google Map Location

 
 

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