Photo: PIA-IX
Every month of July, Filipinos across the archipelago prepare for more than just the heart of the rainy season. This month also marks a time of reflection, preparation, and unity in the face of nature’s most formidable challenges.
For over two decades, July has held special significance in the Philippines as National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM). But the roots of this observance stretch back even further, to a catastrophic event that shook the nation to its core.
On July 16, 1990, a massive earthquake struck Luzon, the country’s largest and most populous island. The tremors, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, devastated cities and towns across the region. Buildings crumbled, roads split open, and thousands of lives were forever changed in a matter of moments.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Philippine government recognized the need for a more focused approach to disaster preparedness. In 1999, Executive Order 137 established July as National Disaster Consciousness Month, an annual reminder of the dangers posed by both natural and human-induced hazards.
Photo: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) Facebook page
“The observance began as a way to commemorate the Luzon earthquake and raise awareness about disaster risks,” explained Charmaine Villamil, a senior science research specialist at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-Phivolcs), during an interview with Radyo Pilipinas’ “Ako at Geo: Usapang Kaligtasan with Philvolcs” on Monday, July 1.
“But over time, we realized that awareness alone wasn’t enough,” Villamil said.
Indeed, the Philippines faces a unique set of challenges when it comes to natural disasters. Straddling the Pacific Ring of Fire and situated squarely in the path of seasonal typhoons, the country experiences an average of 20 tropical cyclones each year, along with the constant threat of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
Recognizing the need for a more proactive approach, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 29 in 2017, transforming the July observance into National Disaster Resilience Month.
This subtle, but crucial shift in language reflects a change in philosophy – from merely being aware of disasters to actively building the capacity to withstand and recover from them.
“It’s about doing something concrete,” Villamil emphasized. “We want to remind people that everyone has a role to play in creating a disaster-resilient Philippines.”
This concept of shared responsibility is at the heart of the country’s disaster management strategy.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), evolved from its predecessor established in 1978, coordinates a vast network of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities.
The NDRRMC’s structure reflects the comprehensive nature of disaster resilience.
The Department of National Defense (DND) chairs the council, with vice-chairs from various agencies focusing on specific aspects of disaster management: the Department of Science and Technology for prevention and mitigation, the Department of the Interior and Local Government for preparedness, the Department of Social Welfare and Development for disaster response, and the National Economic and Development Authority for rehabilitation and recovery.
This multi-faceted approach is codified in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, a living document that outlines goals, objectives, and concrete actions for each pillar of disaster resilience.
The current plan, spanning 2020-2030, provides a roadmap for creating a safer, more resilient nation.
But what does resilience look like in practice for ordinary Filipinos?
In coastal communities, it might mean participating in regular tsunami drills or helping to maintain mangrove forests that serve as natural barriers against storm surges.
In urban areas, on the other hand, resilience could involve retrofitting older buildings to withstand earthquakes or creating neighborhood emergency response teams.
For farmers in drought-prone regions, however, resilience might mean adopting climate-smart agricultural practices or diversifying crops.
And for families across the country, it often means having a well-stocked emergency kit and a clear evacuation plan.
“The key is understanding that resilience isn’t just about surviving a disaster,” Villamil noted. “It’s about being able to bounce back quickly and build back better.”
This holistic view of resilience extends beyond physical preparation. The NDRRMC also emphasizes the importance of economic and social resilience – ensuring that communities have the resources and support systems needed to recover from disasters without falling into long-term poverty or displacement.
As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of natural hazards, the Philippines’ focus on building resilience takes on even greater urgency. The country’s experiences and evolving strategies in disaster management offer valuable lessons for other nations grappling with similar challenges.
Yet, for all the government planning and institutional frameworks, Villamil said that true resilience begins at the individual level. “Ikaw may magagawa ka,” she said, which translates to “You can do something.”
Read: Earthquake drills are ‘games’ to be taken seriously
It’s a simple yet powerful message that encapsulates the spirit of National Disaster Resilience Month.
As Filipinos face another typhoon season and the ever-present risks posed by their geologically active homeland, they do so with a growing understanding that resilience is not just about withstanding nature’s fury – it’s about emerging stronger on the other side.
“When we combine our efforts, we can build a resilient and safe community,” she further emphasized.
It’s a goal that extends far beyond the month of July, shaping a vision of a Philippines that doesn’t just survive disasters but thrives in spite of them. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
