Guimaras kicks off NDRM observance

The Province of Guimaras kicked off the observance of the 2023 National Disaster Resilience Month on July 4, 2023 with a motorcade around the island followed by a short program at the Capitol Grounds.

The activity was participated by different national government agencies (NGAs) which are members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) as well as the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of the five municipalities.

The theme for this year’s celebration is: “BIDAng Pilipino: Building a Stronger Filipino Well-being towards Disaster Resilience”.

Governor JC Rahman A. Nava emphasized the importance of disaster risk management and resiliency for Filipinos since the Philippines is always hit by typhoons and is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire where there are active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes; and the threat of climate change and man-made disasters.

He added that disaster preparedness should not only be practiced every month of July because in all circumstances one should always be prepared for any calamity.

“Ang kaundan is to remind us on a yearly basis nga ang preparasyon ta indi lang sa panahon nga nagaselebrar kita sang sini nga National Disaster Resilience Month but rather tinguhaon ta gid nga preparado kita,” Nava said.

The Local Chief Executive reminded everyone that calamities do not only cause destruction to infrastructures, death or physical injury but can also create a severe impact on the economy.

He encouraged all stakeholders to do their share for a disaster resilient Guimaras.

“I hope nga ang ini nga bulan nga kita naga-obserbar sang National Disaster Resilience Month, remind us of the things to do on a day-to-day basis para mangin isa ka sosyodad kita nga disaster resilient,” the governor added.

During the ceremony the Provincial Government of Guimaras through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office turned over one unit of chainsaw to the Bureau of Fire Protection and first aid kit to the 606 CDC Philippine Army.

Among the activities lined up for the month-long observance is the “Rescuelympics” scheduled on July 28.