DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – “Disaster resilience is not just a concept; it is a commitment to safeguard our families, our homes, and our communities from the unpredictable forces of nature.”
City Mayor Darel Dexter Uy’s words during the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) kick off ceremony highlighted Dipolog’s capacity to rise above diversity while acknowledging the collective effort needed to foster resilience.
At the early hour of 6:00 AM, the city conducted a motorcade in observance of NDRM wherein different offices from the local government as well as national government agencies participated. Their route took them around the city center before culminating in D’Food Hub and Event Center at Sunset Boulevard.
According to Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 9 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ruel Halanes, they chose Dipolog City as the kick off venue for Zamboanga Peninsula for its strengthened DRRM response, making headway along with the disaster resilience.
By focusing on the barangay level and capacitating disaster volunteers from the barangays, the city has saturated its response and ensured that each barangay has trained responders in case of disasters and emergencies.
Aside from national agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the security sector composed of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) represented by the 97th Infantry Battalion, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire (BFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were also present during the event.
The security sector established booths showcasing their different paraphernalia along with their mission and vision, as well as emergency contact numbers.
According to Atty. Halanes, these agencies encompass a whole-of-nation approach wherein their manpower and resources can be utilized for disaster and emergency response. He explained that the AFP, PCG and BFP contribute to search and rescue, while the PNP ensures that law and order are upheld even during times of crisis and disasters.
He assured the public that the government has taken measures and has plans to ensure their safety and has taken steps to beef up disaster risk reduction management and emergency response.
Finally, he urged everyone to take precautionary measures, especially as the country enters the La Niña season. He highlighted the importance of having a go-bag ready for hasty evacuation as well as keeping up-to-date with weather updates and familiarizing oneself with local evacuation centers.
During the program, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) demonstrated proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation while the 96th IB’s Infantry Rifle Squad performed their capability demonstration. (EDT/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
