The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur through the Environment, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) conducted a 3-day Training for Learning Management Team (LMT) on Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Protection on March 28-30, 2025 at the Emergency Operations Center, Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili.

The training was facilitated by resource speakers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 5 and was attended by personnel from EDMERO and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) who are members of the LMT. 

Under the training, topics presented include the overview of CCCM, camp facilities and services, camp life phases, roles and responsibilities of the key actors in CCCM, information management in CCCM, IDP protection, reporting tools used, discussion on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), humanitarian principles and standards, cluster system approach, laws and policies on children and women’s protection, and the presentation skills or how the LMT should present themselves during the training on trainers.

On the phases of disasters, CCCM is essential in order to have a clear guidance on the systematic coordination and management of camps for displaced individuals and to ensure that they receive essential services, such as shelter, food, healthcare, sanitation and protection in a safe and organized environment. 

Sharmaine Ariño, RSW, Social Worker from PSWDO and one of the participants, shared, “The training was a refresher for us and it was very fulfilling especially on our end as social workers. We were able to acquire new knowledge, we learned more about camp coordination and camp management, the approaches we need to apply, how are we going to handle the evacuees, who are the persons responsible, and whatsoever.”

Ariño was also deployed during the Typhoon Kristine and Pepito last year and was assigned on CCCM cluster stationed in Buhi. Asked about her experience during that time, she shared, “At first, it was hard because we need to manage IDPs. But the good part is that everything is well-coordinated; from the governor down to us facilitators. Through CCCM, everything is well-versed, we prevented the confusion, and everyone worked hand in hand to properly manage the camps, and even during decamp, evacuees were safely returned to their houses.”

Moreover, the training was also designed to prepare the LMT for the Training of Trainers (TOT) on CCCM and IDP Protection. It aimed to equip them with fundamental facilitation skills including teaching the participants how to effectively manage group dynamics. LMT should also familiarize with the modules and engage in action planning so that every logistical and organizational detail is taken care of for the TOT. 

“We highly appreciate the initiative of EDMERO in proactively organizing activities like this which shows their great commitment to improving the disaster response capacities of the entire province by promoting IDP protection and with the continuous service delivery in terms of CCCM,” shared Ma. Shiela V. Ricafranca, Administrative Officer II under Disaster Response Management Division of DSWD 5, and one of the resource speakers during the training.

“This demonstrates the leadership and forward-thinking mindset of PLGU CamSur that is crucial for creating a more resilient and responsive disaster management system in the region. Through this initiative, CamSur is setting a positive example of effective disaster response, ensuring that displaced populations are protected, supported, and served with care and efficiency,” she furthered.

After the training, members of the LMT will become part of the core group of specialists who will continue to serve as key figures in the implementation and support of camp coordination, camp management, and IDP protection efforts in the province and in the region.