The culmination of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) is marked by the recognition of different individuals from various sectors who stood at the forefront of building the country’s disaster resilience.
This initiative is translated through the conferment of the historic “Dangal Bantayog ng Katatagan: Hall of Fame of Philippine Disaster Resilience Champions” on July 31, 2024, which serves as a symbol of acknowledgement and appreciation for stakeholders who have significantly contributed to the continuous establishment of a disaster-resilient nation.
The award also aims to recognize the meaningful partnerships between stakeholders from the public and private sector that paved the way for the implementation of programs aimed at strengthening the capacity of communities to overcome disaster risks.
“The continued emphasis on resilience underscores its enduring importance as our guiding principle. Collaborative actions are imperative in building the nation’s resilience and preparedness. It is crucial to consistently stress the responsibility of every sector and establish effective mechanisms that actively hold all stakeholders in meaningful disaster risk reduction and management endeavors,” said Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Undersecretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Ariel Nepomuceno.
Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pagpapa-unlad ng Kagalingan at Katatagan
University of the Philippines Research Institute Executive Director Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay received the Dangal Bantayog ng Katatagan Award under the “Pagpapa-unlad ng Kagalingan at Katatagan” category.
This award gives recognition to Lagmay’s contributions to the development of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) planning, decision-making, monitoring, and evaluation by integrating science- and research-based approaches.
One of the direct outcomes of these contributions is the Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), a hazard assessment tool that can be used by local government units, community leaders, policy-makers, and Filipino families as a whole to identify, prevent, and mitigate disaster risks.
“Ang recognition na ito ay hindi po para sa akin kung hindi para sa Project NOAH. Nasa likod po no’n ay napakaraming tao, mga faculty members, researchers, scientists, epidemiologists, engineers, doctors, na nagko-contribute po sa mga ginagawa natin,” said Lagmay.
(This recognition is not for me but for Project NOAH. Behind this are many people, faculty members, researchers, scientists, epidemiologists, engineers, doctors, who collectively contribute to all our endeavors.)
Lagmay’s experience in search-and-rescue operations as well as forensic analyses formed an important part in his comprehensive knowledge of catastrophes that affect the Philippines.
Aside from leading the research and development initiatives of Project NOAH, Lagmay also authored over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles towards the advancement of the country’s DRRM framework.
Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pagtataguyod ng Pribado at Pampublikong Katatagan
Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Sarte Salceda received the “Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pagtataguyod ng Pribado at Pampublikong Katatagan” award which honors individuals who have exhibited dedication and commitment to community resilience advocacy through public service.
Salceda is known to be the architect behind Albay’s Green Economy for facilitating the 88 percent increase in the forest cover of the province which anchors climate change mitigation.
His DRR initiatives in Albay served as the model of the Republic Act 9723, otherwise known as the Climate Change Act of 2009, and Republic Act 10121 or the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.
In 2009, he was awarded by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN-ISDR) as a Senior Global Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation.
“Development should proceed despite all the risks. In Albay, as the Governor, I strongly believe in disaster risk reduction as a full-time policy,” said Salceda, emphasizing that capacity-building lies at the core of DRR, not relief and rescue.
Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pag-agapay sa Ligtas na Sambayanan
San Miguel Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramon S. Ang was conferred the “Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pag-agapay sa Ligtas na Sambayanan” award for playing a vital role in the delivery of national resilience-building efforts.
The corporation exemplified a deep sense of responsibility as a reliable partner organization from the private sector by catering to the welfare of the most disadvantaged sectors in the country.
Among the notable corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects of San Miguel include the “Better World Community Centers” which are equipped with facilities for learning and skills development.
In the last decade, the corporation was also able to earmark P3 billion for housing projects which helped disaster-affected families.
“It is an honor to accept this recognition on behalf of our San Miguel employees and partners who are the real heroes behind our disaster response efforts. Our mission extends beyond helping grow the economy, we believe it is our responsibility to equip our communities with the tools they need to prepare to endure and recover from calamities,” said Ramon Ang in his acceptance speech.
The culmination of the NDRM is not a conclusion of the disaster resilience efforts of the country. It rather marks a step forward in further developing the capacity of each Filipino to withstand any risks brought by natural phenomena for a more “Handa Pilipinas.” (JMP/PIA-NCR)
