Students enhance DRRM capacities of HOAs in Barangay Tumana

On 22 March 2025, members of the Homeowners Association (HOA) of the creekside area of Barangay Tumana received Survival Go-bags at the conclusion of Langoy at Ligtas, the third session of Project CIMULA (Collaborative Initiatives for Disaster Management and Understanding through Local Action) held at the Ateneo Grade School (AGS) pool. The project, led by a passionate group of AB Development Studies Students, sought to boost disaster and climate literacy in Barangay Tumana by developing a comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program that fosters proactive action and strengthens resilience among HOA members and their families.

The team behind this project, Team Humana, is comprised of Emirozz Czarlene Labaria, Alexia Simone Lacanilao, Bai Indira Sophia Mangudadatu, Jo Franci Mapalad, Jeremiah Jose Remollo, and Icen Martin Uy. They were guided by Dr Mark Anthony D Abenir, the course coach of DEV 107: Project Management.

Project CIMULA is a community-based DRRM initiative developed in partnership with the Barangay Tumana Creekside Homeowners Association from Blocks 29, 30, 34/35, 68, and Tuazonville. This partnership was made possible through the involvement of Joann Curiba, the block chairperson of Tuazonville HOA.

The project consisted of three workshops held throughout March 2025, which tackled a range of topics related to DRRM in the area, namely: Kalakasan at Klima (for Climate Literacy), a Fire and Earthquake Preparedness Seminar, and Langoy at Ligtas (for First Aid and Survival Swimming). A salu-salo was held on 6 April to culminate the end of the workshops and to recognize community members for their dedicated participation.

The first workshop, Kalakasan at Klima, was an interactive, play-based workshop on climate change, co-hosted by the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability at the Tumana Palay Covered Court. Led by Daniel Ratilla, Program Head for Climate and Disaster Resilience of the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, the workshop aimed to strengthen the community’s understanding of climate change, sustainable practices, and environmental impact. Residents were encouraged to integrate sustainable practices, both as individuals and as a community, into their daily routines to improve both their quality of life and the surrounding environment.

The second workshop, the Fire and Earthquake Preparedness Seminar, was conducted in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection of Marikina City, and was also held at the Brgy Tumana Palay Covered Court. Led by FO1 Mary Ann Porazo, the seminar aimed to equip Barangay Tumana residents with essential safety knowledge and skills during times of earthquakes and fires. It covered household safety practices, the proper use of fire extinguishers, and emergency response techniques, with the aim of enhancing the preparedness of community members in dealing with potential emergencies and fostering a culture of readiness and proactive response within Barangay Tumana.

The final workshop, Langoy at Ligtas, conducted in partnership with the Armedsafe Safety and Rescue Center, along with student volunteers Tala Ysabel V dela Peña, Sab Celestial, Sofia Isabel M Gonzalez, Jasper Ong, and Rachel Anne P Malaluan, was held at the Ateneo Grade School (AGS) Pool. Adult participants were taught important concepts in first aid, while their children were taught basic survival swimming maneuvers under the constant supervision of instructors. At the end of the session, Survival Go-bags were distributed to the participants (one per household), which were generously donated by the Alagang Kapatid Foundation.

As a final thanksgiving for the community’s participation and to recognize their efforts, Team Humana held a salu-salo on April 6, where community members gathered together, shared a meal, evaluated the overall project, and received their certificates of participation as well as their own Team Humana shirt. Block chairperson Joann Curiba and Project Manager Indira Mangudadatu shared their heartfelt words of gratitude, expressing thanks for the community’s unwavering support and active participation.

Team Humana would like to thank the following sponsors: Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Mapalad Agribusiness Corporation, Hon Elizabeth Mangudadatu, Hon Khadafeh Mangudadatu, Black Scoop Cafe, Infinitea, Far Sykes Enterprise (Stassero USA), and the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Social Development, Environment, and Community Engagement (OAVP-SDECE) of Ateneo de Manila University — their unwavering support made this project possible. 

Photos courtesy of Emirozz Czarlene Labaria, Alexia Simone Lacanilao, Jeremiah Jose Remollo, and Icen Martin Uy