How I Went from IT Professional to DRRM Practitioner: My Journey of Innovation and Adaptability
As an associate degree graduate in Information Technology (IT), I initially began my career working in IT departments, troubleshooting and repairing technical issues, and creating graphics layouts. However, in 2019, I found myself without a job and in need of a new opportunity. That opportunity presented itself in the form of a training program for Medical Responders in our Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO). Despite my lack of experience in the field, I decided to pursue the program and ended up excelling in it, leading to a job offer as a DRRM staff. From there, I discovered how my IT skills could be applied in the DRRM field, particularly in weather and climate monitoring, data management, and GIS mapping. Through continuous learning and innovation, I have been able to thrive in this field and make a positive impact in my profession.
My journey to becoming a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) practitioner was not a straight path. After graduating with an associate degree in Information Technology in 2009, I struggled to find consistent employment until I landed a job in the local government unit’s IT department in 2016.
In that role, I was responsible for troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance, as well as graphic layout. Little did I know that this job would serve as a stepping stone to a different career path.
In 2017, I applied for a job in the Public Information Office as a Graphics Designer, where I honed my skills in creating social media infographics, tarpaulin layouts, photography, and video editing. Despite being outside my comfort zone, I embraced the challenge and learned new things in the process.
Unfortunately, in 2019, I became jobless. It was then that I saw an opportunity to train as a Medical Responder in our Local DRRMO. Although hesitant at first, I pursued it as a means to support my family financially.
During the training, I gave it my all and eventually ranked in the top 5 of my class. This achievement earned me a job as a DRRM staff in June of the same year, where I was assigned to the Operations and Warning Section as a Weather and Climate Monitoring Staff.
It was in this role that I realized that my IT skills could also be applied in the field of DRRM. With the help of my section head and officers, we innovated the traditional way of monitoring natural hazards in our office. My job was to monitor the development of tropical cyclones and act as a weather forecaster for our MDRRM Council.
I also underwent various pieces of training, including QGIS mapping, REDAS Operation, Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM), and Basic Incident Command System (ICS), which expanded my knowledge and technical skills in DRRM. These pieces of training were critical in my role, as technical skills are vital in the field of DRRM.
Even with my experience, I still recognize that there is much to learn in this field. I believe in every day being a learning process and continuously pursuing opportunities to improve my skills. Currently, I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, and I am now in my 2nd year.
To sum it up, my journey highlights the importance of being adaptable, open to learning, and innovative, which are essential qualities for success in any field. I have demonstrated that by applying my skills and knowledge in unexpected ways and approaching every challenge as an opportunity for growth, one can achieve their goals and make a positive impact in their profession.