Malate, Manila – “We need to fully comprehend what the New Normal is and how our Region can cope in terms of preparedness and response to changes in weather conditions,” the Regional Director Wilma D. Naviamos of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) IV – MIMAROPA was quoted saying in the recently concluded first semester Social Welfare and Development (SWD) forum, yesterday, May 13, 2014.

The objective of the forum titled “Ako at Si Yolanda: Conversations on Yolanda experiences”, was to pool together, employees of DSWD MiMaRoPa who had a firsthand experience in relief operations in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The participants answered 5 questions that were carefully crafted in order to extract ideas to help create immediate steps to betterment of response in times of disaster.

Naviamos emphasized that she had participated and led various disaster response operations in the past but believed there still are major actions to be taken to cope with the New Normal.

 “The changes in weather conditions, as well as the increase in strength, magnitude and frequency of occurrence of various natural calamities, such as Yolanda, is what the new normal is about,” said Priscilla Natanauan, Training Specialist who presided the forum.

Participants answered questions that were later consolidated to form specific actions to employ when the next disaster strikes. Part of the recommendations was to have a uniform reporting template for ease in turnover and understanding of written reports. Also, Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Team Leader Miramelinda Leuterio suggested that a warehouse, should be readily available for stockpile of relief packs in the field offices.

Furthermore, volunteers had shared how equally difficult and rewarding the overall experience was. “Sa trabaho talaga natin kelangan may puso ka, masarap sa pakiramdam kahit nakakapagod,” said Jayson Masangkay, Financial Analyst of the region.

The result of the open discussion will be consolidated and further studied in order to concretize a plan of action to be undertaken in the next three months. ###