(Photo courtesy from OCD-5)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol and the Legazpi City government will conduct community-based disaster preparedness activities on October 13 as part of the 2026 observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR).
The initiative aims to strengthen public awareness, promote disaster resilience and encourage communities to take proactive measures against natural hazards affecting the Bicol Region.
In an interview Friday, October 9, OCD-Bicol information officer Gremil Alexis Naz said the annual observance provides an opportunity for residents to learn from international disaster risk reduction practices and improve local preparedness strategies.
“With the IDDRR, we would be able to reinforce mitigation and preparedness measures,” Naz said.
He noted that the effects of El Niño are already being felt across the region, highlighting the importance of preparing for multiple hazards.
Barangay Dap-Dap in Legazpi City will serve as the main venue for the October 13 activities.
OCD-Bicol, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine News Agency (PNA) and the city government will organize an information caravan under the government’s “Panatag Pilipinas” campaign.
The activity will provide residents with information on disaster risks, emergency preparedness and measures to reduce community vulnerabilities.
“The activity will provide an avenue for communities to highlight disaster-related concerns and discuss measures to strengthen their resilience, particularly in areas exposed to recurring natural hazards,” Naz said.
He emphasized that the observance is particularly timely as the last quarter of the year often brings severe weather disturbances to Bicol.
“This may serve as a reminder for the communities to prepare for the ‘bagyo’ (typhoon) season,” he said.
Bicol is among the country’s disaster-prone regions due to its exposure to tropical cyclones, volcanic activity and earthquakes.
The region is home to two active volcanoes, Mayon in Albay and Bulusan in Sorsogon, while active fault systems, including the Masbate Segment, pose additional earthquake risks.
Naz stressed that disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) should extend beyond emergency response and include sustained efforts to identify hazards, reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen community preparedness.
He also encouraged local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies (NGAs) to continuously improve their disaster mitigation and response programs.
“This will serve as a reminder to further improve the DRRM efforts of the LGUs and NGAs,” Naz said.
The OCD official underscored the importance of cooperation among government agencies, local authorities and residents in building disaster-resilient communities.
“We hope to enlighten and remind communities that DRRM is a continuous process,” he said.
Through the IDDRR observance, OCD-Bicol hopes to reinforce the message that disaster preparedness requires year-round vigilance, public participation and coordinated action to protect lives and communities.
