Renowned actor and Philippine Navy reserve officer Dingdong Dantes is lending his voice and influence to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the World Bank’s new disaster preparedness campaign, Panatag Pilipinas.
Launched in Quezon City on November 25, the campaign aims to strengthen public understanding of disaster and climate risks while inspiring action through accessible and relatable content on various disasters and hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, typhoons, landslides, and tsunamis.
The event brought together a distinguished audience, including OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, alongside senior representatives from key government agencies such as the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Partners from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Presidential Communications Office, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the World Bank were also in attendance, underscoring the campaign’s collaborative approach.
Championing Preparedness
Nepomuceno expressed gratitude to Dantes for serving as the campaign ambassador, highlighting the Philippines’ status as the world’s most at-risk country for the past 16 years. He stated, “This is the reason why we are together. We would like to thank the World Bank for helping us in this initiative because we need to make all the communities aware. The would-be victims themselves should know about their situation and what they should do.”
He noted that recent surveys indicate climate change and disaster preparedness rank low among Filipinos’ top concerns, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and action. “We thank you, Major Dantes, for your willingness to help in our difficult and challenging mission to help save the lives of Filipinos,” Nepomuceno added. He also cited alarming findings that place disaster preparedness and climate change low on the list of public priorities, stressing the need to integrate these concerns into the national consciousness.
Dantes Calls for Preparedness as a Way of Life
As the campaign’s ambassador, Dantes expressed his passion for the cause and his vision for Panatag Pilipinas. “The goal of this campaign is to simplify and humanize disaster preparedness,” he said. “We want the content to be relatable, accessible, and impactful, especially on social media where it can reach more Filipinos. Preparedness doesn’t have to be overwhelming or terrifying—it can start at home, with small but meaningful steps taken by every family.”
Dantes encouraged Filipinos to view preparedness as a shared responsibility and a fundamental part of family planning. “Natural hazards are inevitable, but their effects can be mitigated. Together, we can make preparedness a way of life and ensure a safer future for our families and communities.”
A Collective Commitment
Panatag Pilipinas represents a collaborative effort to address the increasing threats posed by natural disasters in the Philippines. By combining the expertise and resources of government agencies, the private sector, and influential advocates like Dantes, the campaign aims to cultivate a culture of preparedness that resonates with every Filipino.
World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist Fides Borja emphasized the importance of collaboration among different agencies and organizations to ensure that every Filipino has access to critical disaster risk information. “Building on the World Bank’s long-standing partnership with the Philippine Government, Panatag Pilipinas represents a collective effort to empower every Filipino with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves and their loved ones from the impacts of disasters. Making sure that the information given to the most vulnerable communities is delivered in a manner and language that they understand,” Borja said.
As the nation faces intensifying climate challenges, initiatives like Panatag Pilipinas underscore the importance of collective action, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a safer, more resilient Philippines.
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