Philippines: Ifugaos urged to observe 'National Disaster Consciousness Month'
PIA press release by Vency D. Bulayungan
Lagawe, Ifugao - Know what to do in case disaster strikes! Governor Eugene Balitang enjoined the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council members to conduct activities in observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month to heighten awareness on the importance of disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.
Balitang, in his letter to all PDDRMC members, stated that this is pursuant to Presidential Executive Order No. 137, declaring July of every year as National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM).
The country is one of the countries in Asia that is highly susceptible to natural calamities - typhoons, floods, earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and droughts - visit the country with rhythmic regularity. This prompted the creation of Presidential Executive Order number 137, declaring July of every year as National Disaster Consciousness Month in order to heighten public awareness on the importance of disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.
This year’s theme ‘Makialam, Makiisa sa pagsugpo ng panganib may maitutulong ka,’ focuses on taking simple but potentially life-saving steps to enhance preparedness, including preparing an emergency supply kit, being informed about the appropriate response for each disaster, and being involved in community preparedness efforts.
This year, the month-long observance urges all to take appropriate action with regards to personal welfare and protection, and security. It provides an opportunity to learn more about disasters and how best to prevent and prepare for them.
The activities also include hanging of streamers; mass offering for disaster victims; conduct IEC on disaster risk reduction and climate change; poster making; conduct of emergency responder’s skills training; conduct of earthquake and fire drills; distribution of DRRM flyers; cleaning of canals; radio broadcast; installation of signage in disaster prone areas and tree planting.* (JDP/VDB-PIA CAR, Ifugao)