The Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) launched the first batch of the BRAVE Resilience Cohort Program for Punong Barangays on October 12–13, 2026. The two-day program brought together barangay captains, barangay councilors, and other key representatives from selected barangays in Marikina, Pasig, and Quezon City.
First introduced in 2024 to help communities prepare for “The Big One,” the program now focuses on strengthening the leadership skills of the officials responsible for disaster preparedness.
Under the theme “Navigating the Me to We Journey in Barangay Governance,” the program encouraged barangay leaders to move away from a kanya-kanya (every person for themselves) mindset and embrace a sama-sama (working together) approach. It emphasized that disaster preparedness is most effective when officials and residents work as one community.
Subject matter experts Carmen Leonor I. Diokno, Anna Louisa E. Cortez, and Edwina A. Busteneyra led a session on the “Me to We” approach to barangay governance. The activities encouraged participants to examine their own leadership habits before learning how to build stronger teamwork and more inclusive communities.
Through practical exercises, the participants explored the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. They also learned how to turn differing opinions into opportunities for cooperation and create safe spaces where officials and residents can speak openly and constructively.
Using the Why-What-How framework, the participants connected their personal reasons for entering public service with a broader commitment to compassionate governance. The session stressed that effective public service requires not only hard work but also genuine concern for people.
The training also highlighted four core values:
maTatag (resilient): Taking responsibility instead of making excuses.
maLingap (caring): Listening carefully rather than making assumptions.
Handa (prepared): Turning fear into clear and focused action.
maAgap (proactive): Anticipating problems instead of simply reacting to them.
Rather than relying on lectures alone, the first day used games, paired listening exercises, and storytelling to encourage participation. It ended with a Sama-Sama Circle, where participants shared their key lessons and reflections.
Day 2: From Leadership to Disaster Preparedness
The second day focused on practical disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies that barangays can apply in their communities.
LGOO III Elgreco B. Flores of the Local Government Capability Development Division–Capacity Development and Technical Assistance Section (LGCDD-CDTAS) led the morning review and discussion of lessons from the first day.
Richard L. Ybañez, chief science research specialist of the UP Resilience Institute, then delivered a refresher session on the fundamentals of resilience at the barangay and community levels.
Participants also joined a workshop titled “Tindig Barangay: Sharing Community Resilience Best Practices,” facilitated by Flores. During the workshop, barangay officials shared actual strategies their communities had used to prepare for and withstand crises.
The exchange allowed participants to learn from one another, compare local practices, and identify approaches they could adapt to improve their own disaster preparedness efforts.
In the afternoon, Dennis R. de Paz, assistant division chief of the LGCDD, conducted a refresher session on the Operation Listo manuals and Operation Listo si KAP. The session connected the leadership and teamwork lessons from the first day with practical disaster preparedness procedures that barangays can use.
Building Stronger, More Prepared Communities
By combining leadership development with practical disaster preparedness training, the BRAVE Resilience Cohort Program aims to build a stronger culture of responsibility, cooperation, and care among barangay officials.
As Metro Manila continues to face climate-related hazards and the threat of major earthquakes, barangay leaders play a vital role in preparing their communities for emergencies.
The program underscores an important lesson: effective disaster preparedness requires more than plans and procedures. It also depends on leaders who listen, take responsibility, look ahead, and unite residents toward a common goal.
When barangay officials and their communities work together, they are better prepared not only to face disasters but also to recover and emerge stronger.(Story and photo source: DILG-NCR)
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