ILOILO City – With climate-induced disasters growing in intensity and frequency, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) launched the 2025 observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) on July 4, renewing the call for stronger community readiness across Western Visayas.
The celebration opened with a motorcade around Iloilo City followed by a kickoff ceremony at Iloilo National High School in La Paz. OCD Region 6 director Raul Fernandez, who led the program, emphasized the urgent need for all sectors — local government units, government agencies, stakeholders, and communities — to work in unison in facing calamities.
Now on its 37th year, NDRM 2025 carries the theme “Kumikilos para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan, at Katatagan!” (Taking Action for Preparedness, Safety, and Resilience), reinforcing the national commitment to building a disaster-ready Philippines.
Highlighting the kickoff were demonstrations by the Bureau of Fire Protection-La Paz Fire Station and the Philippine Red Cross Iloilo Chapter, showcasing basic fire safety and first aid techniques to students and guests. The ceremony concluded with the awarding of certificates of appreciation and closing messages from school and disaster risk management officials.
Throughout the month, various region-wide activities will underscore the importance of preparedness and resilience, including mobile photography and poster-making contests and the 2nd Regional Rescuelympics — a key skills competition and disaster simulation event.
In preparation for the Rescuelympics, the Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has begun logistical planning and site inspections. On June 17, the PDRRMO conducted a site visit and coordination meeting at Camp Pasica and the Jalaur River in Dingle, Iloilo, the chosen venue for this year’s competition.
The team assessed the site for land and water rescue simulations and collaborated with the Philippine Army and OCD-6 to ensure adequate security and support.
With momentum building and coordination efforts underway, PDRRMO officials said they are determined to deliver a successful and impactful Rescuelympics 2025./PN
