16/07/2025
๐ฅ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ, ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ผ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ
From fires and earthquakes to volcanic eruptions, we are taught to be resilient. We learn to duck, cover, and hold โ or to stop, drop, and roll โ because being prepared can save lives. This is the heart of what National Disaster Resilience Month teaches us: to understand what to do, how to do it, and why it matters. It's a month dedicated to unity, preparedness, and action when it counts the most.
We, the people of the Philippines โ the Pearl of the Orient Seas โ are located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons. This geographical reality makes us more vulnerable to natural disasters. Itโs as if our nation wears a ring of calamities around its hand โ a heavy burden that we must carry with courage and awareness. That is why readiness is not a choice but a necessity.
To address this, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) leads the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month every July. Its goal is to promote knowledge on disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and mitigation. It serves as a guiding force, helping us build habits of resilience and encouraging every community to take proactive steps before disaster strikes.
Disasters may come without warning, but our strength lies in our collective action. When we move as one โ aware, prepared, and united โ we lessen the damage and quicken recovery. Proactivity means being ready before the worst happens. Resilience means rising above challenges through a culture of preparedness that we build together.
As the ground shakes or the skies darken, we are reminded that the greatest defense lies not in the walls we build, but in the knowledge we share and the unity we uphold. This month is more than a reminder โ it is a call to action. In the face of disaster, let us stand not as victims, but as a nation prepared to rise.
Words by Jahna Miel Dumanong
Pubmat by Arien Occiano
