DOT Region 2 Boosts Batanes Tourism Resiliency Through DRRM Capacity-Building
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 2, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Batanes through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and Provincial Heritage and Tourism Office (PHTO), successfully conducted a two-day Capacity-Building Seminar on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) for tourism stakeholders on August 13–14, 2026, at the 3rd Floor Conference Hall of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Building.
The initiative brought together local tour guides and tourism establishment personnel to strengthen disaster preparedness, emergency response, and frontline safety in one of the country’s most geographically unique island destinations. Designed specifically for the Batanes tourism setting, the seminar equipped participants with practical knowledge on the fundamentals of DRRM and the Incident Command System (ICS), emphasizing coordinated response during emergencies affecting visitors and communities.
Throughout the first day, participants enhanced their understanding of incident command protocols, situational awareness, and effective crisis communication. The sessions emphasized the importance of delivering accurate and timely advisories while ensuring the safety and confidence of guests during high-stress situations.
The second day featured hands-on emergency response training in collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Participants engaged in fire prevention and suppression exercises using portable fire extinguishers, learned essential knot-tying techniques for rescue operations, and practiced basic emergency rescue skills applicable to trail, roadside, and coastal tourism incidents.
The training culminated in scenario-based simulation drills facilitated by the PDRRMO, where participants developed and executed coordinated emergency action plans, demonstrating their readiness to respond swiftly and effectively to real-life disaster situations.
The activity forms part of DOT Region 2’s continuing commitment to building a resilient tourism industry by enhancing the capacities of local tourism frontliners. Through sustained collaboration with local government partners, the Department reinforces Batanes’ position as a safe, prepared, and resilient destination where the welfare of both residents and visitors remains a top priority.