A.

BACKGROUND

Peñablanca is one among the largest municipality in the Province of Cagayan

by land area with a total of 124,565 hectares and a population of 50,300
based on 2020 census. It is comprised of 24 barangays and 13 of which are
flood prone.

The municipality is exposed to almost all types of hazards and the top two of
which are typhoon and flooding. typhoon belt with an average of 8 typhoons
every year. Among the typhoon that visited the municipality, Typhoon “Vinta”
(2013), Typhoon “Juan” (2010) and Typhoon “Igme” (2004), Typhoon “Lawin”
(2016) and Typhoon “Ompong” (2018) had the worst devastating effects which
left heavy rains to infrastructure and agricultural sector.

As to flooding incident, Callao Area (Barangays Aggugaddan, Callao,

Malibabag, Nannarian, San Roque, Quibal) and Lagum Area (Barangays
Manga, Buyun, Nabbabalayan, Lapi and Minanga) and to include Patagueleg
in the Central Area and Bical in the Southern Area are prone to such hazard
due to its proximity to the Pinacanauan River and its terrain.

With this, the municipality has to address its risks and hazards through
disaster preparedness, thus the need to equip and train volunteers, thus the
RESCUE 24 was organized.
B. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

The First Batch of Rescue 24 was officially organized in 2001 until December
09, 2022 where the 5th Batch was trained. The responders name was based
on the 24 barangays of the municipality.

This was conceptualized by no other than the Local Chief Executive, Hon.
Washington M. Taguinod considering the large area of the locality and the
number of persons who will be needing rescue in case of worst-case scenario
happened.

As of this date, there are 105 active Rescuers of the municipality. The team
are provided trainings on Basic Life Support/First Aid and Water Search and
Rescue. This is where the team was known as it always conduct Search and
Rescue and Retrieval Operations during Flooding in the area and in nearby
municipalities and during Drowning Incident.

C. EFFECTIVENESS

D. SOURCE OF FUND

E. REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE PROGRAM/PROJECT AS BEST

PRACTICE

F. SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PROJECT

G. BACKGROUND

Peñablanca is one among the largest municipality in the Province of

Cagayan by land area with a total of 124,565 hectares and a population of
50,300 based on 2020 census. It is comprised of 24 barangays and 13 of
which are flood prone.

The municipality is exposed to almost all types of hazards and the top
two of which are typhoon and flooding. typhoon belt with an average of 8
typhoons every year. Among the typhoon that visited the municipality,
Typhoon “Vinta” (2013), Typhoon “Juan” (2010) and Typhoon “Igme” (2004),
Typhoon “Lawin” (2016) and Typhoon “Ompong” (2018) had the worst
devastating effects which left heavy rains to infrastructure and agricultural
sector.

As to flooding incident, Callao Area (Barangays Aggugaddan, Callao,

Malibabag, Nannarian, San Roque, Quibal) and Lagum Area (Barangays
Manga, Buyun, Nabbabalayan, Lapi and Minanga) and to include Patagueleg
in the Central Area and Bical in the Southern Area are prone to such hazard
due to its proximity to the Pinacanauan River and its terrain.

In addition, due to the land area and its adjoining municipalities,

vehicular accident are very frequent, thus the presence of responders in
almost all barangays is a must.

With this, the municipality has to address its risks and hazards through
disaster preparedness, thus the need to equip and train volunteers, thus the
RESCUE 24 was organized.
H. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

The First Batch of Rescue 24 was officially organized in 2001 until

December 09, 2022 where the 5th Batch was trained. The responders name
was based on the 24 barangays of the municipality.

This was conceptualized by no other than the Local Chief Executive,

Hon. Washington M. Taguinod considering the large area of the locality and
the number of persons who will be needing rescue in case of worst-case
scenario happened.

As of this date, there are 105 active Rescuers of the municipality. The
team are provided trainings on Basic Life Support/First Aid and Water Search
and Rescue. This is where the team was known as it always conduct Search,
Rescue and Retrieval Operations during Flooding and Drowning Incident not
only in the area but also in nearby municipalities.

Prior to becoming a member, one must submit its intention and

undergo assessment (medical, physical and the like) to ensure the safety of
the volunteer during training and actual rescue. Priority is given to male
between 20-35 years old, and not connected to any permanent job in
public/private institutions. Afterwhich, training will be scheduled to include
Basic Life Support/First Aid, and Water Search and Rescue as the
municipality is a flood prone area.
I. EFFECTIVENESS

Since the institutionalization of the Rescue 24 in the municipality, series

of flooding and drowning incidents have been responded to by the team inside
and outside AOR.

Further, the responders have been providing assistance during

emergencies and disasters, such as loading, delivery and packing of relief
goods and also providing First Aid and Rescue to Medical Emergencies and
Vehicular Accidents.

Their prompt action and competence in dealing with the situation have
resulted to saving lives and properties and showing selfless service to
humanity.

During special LGU events and celebrations such as UNDAS and

SEMANA SANTA, the team are deployed in the areas of concern to ensure
the safety of the motorists, tourists and visitors and the general public.

Relative to Prevention and Mitigation Aspect, the rescuers also conduct

Tree Planting Activity and Linis Ilog Program in partnership with the Municipal
Environment Office and consistent blood donors during Blood Letting Activity
of the LGU/Barangays.

J. SOURCE OF FUND

While the Rescue Group is volunteer in nature, their is a need to boost

the morale of the responders, thus, the LGU had enrolled them to an
Insurance (accident) so that in case an untoward incident happens, it can help
them and their families, while incentives are also given to them during special
activities and also free vaccinations for flu, pneumonia and the like.

Also funds to support their special activities are sourced from the 5%
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

K. REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE PROGRAM/PROJECT AS BEST

PRACTICE
At present, our Local Disaster Risk Reduction Office at present lack the
necesarry human resource as prescribed by RA 10121, and Disaster
Preparedness is best address thru equipped and capacitated manpower, thus
the institutionalization of the Rescue 24 Team and its continues capacity
building greatly address the thematic areas on preparedness and response.
 The call for volunteer responders is due to the size of the municipality,
its population and the limited MDRRMO Personnel. Thus, there is a need to
strategize programs and activities to be able to cater to the needs of the
community.

Thus, since, the operation of the MDRRMO, the Rescue 24 had always
been its partner in providing Search, Rescue and Retrieval during the on set
of hazards, its partner in providing rescue in medical emergencies and
vehicular accidents and in ensuring the safety of the public during special
events and celebrations.

The rescuers have manifested commitment despite risking their safety

and lives during the operation.

This spirit have been instilled among the group thus, another batch had
successfully undergone its training last December 2022 to come up with a
total of 105 rescuers.

L. SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PROJECT

With the commitment of the Local Officials headed by the Honorable

Mayor Washington M Taguinod, the growing number of responders is a
manifestation that the people are inspired of offering their services despite it’s
being volunteer in nature.

Continuous coordination, meeting, retraining and allowing them to

attend Rescue activities outside the AOR and of course providing them their
Personal Protective Equipment and Uniform are just but few motivations for
them to continue their job.

Also, recognizing their efforts and sacrifices during Christmas

Celebrations will continue to spur their spirit of selfless service.
A. BACKGROUND

Peñablanca is one among the largest municipality in the Province of

Cagayan by land area with a total of 124,565 hectares and a population of
50,300 based on 2020 census. It is comprised of 24 barangays and 13 of
which are flood prone.

The municipality is exposed to almost all types of hazards and the top
two of which are typhoon and flooding. As a typhoon belt it has an average of
8 typhoons every year. Among the typhoon that visited the municipality,
Typhoon “Vinta” (2013), Typhoon “Juan” (2010) and Typhoon “Igme” (2004),
Typhoon “Lawin” (2016) and Typhoon “Ompong” (2018) had the worst
devastating effects which left heavy rains to infrastructure and agricultural
sector.

As to flooding incident, Callao Area (Barangays Aggugaddan, Callao,

Malibabag, Nannarian, San Roque, Quibal) and Lagum Area (Barangays
Manga, Buyun, Nabbabalayan, Lapi and Minanga) and to include Patagueleg
in the Central Area and Bical in the Southern Area are prone to such hazard
due to its proximity to the Pinacanauan River and its terrain.

The presence of the Pinacanuan River and alsothe farming practice of

the people greatly contribute to erosion and flooding problem in the area.

Inorder to mitigate this hazard, the MDRRMC had included in one of its
Programs, Projects and Activities in its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Plan and in the Enhance Local Climate Change Action under
the thematic area, Prevention and Mitigation the Bamboo Planting Project.
The project was further intensified with the issuance of Executive Order
No. 120 by the then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to strengthen
rehabilitation and recovery efforts in typhoon-hit areas through the creation of
Build Back Better (BBB) Task Force with the objective to pioneer the BBB
activities in the Cagayan River Basin to support the recovery and
rehabilitation in the area and its tributaries;
With this, the municipality has to address its risks and hazards through
disaster prevention and mitigation, thus the institutionalization of the Bamboo
Development Project to mitigate the impact of flooding and climate change as
well.
B. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
C. EFFECTIVENESS

D. SOURCE OF FUND

E. REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE PROGRAM/PROJECT AS BEST

PRACTICE

F. SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PROJECT