The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), headed by Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV, has officially launched National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) 2025, capping off its first week with a series of impactful events anchored on this year’s theme: “KUMIKILOS: Para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan, at Katatagan.”
Prior to the national kickoff held at Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati on July 1, regional offices across the country initiated their own activities to foster public participation and raise awareness on disaster preparedness. These included press conferences, coastal clean-ups, motorcades, resilience runs, knowledge-sharing forums, and capability exhibits—demonstrating the nationwide commitment to building a disaster-ready Philippines.
In his address, ASEC Alejandro underscored the vital role of communities in ensuring disaster readiness. “Preparedness cannot be the government’s responsibility alone. We need the active involvement of every citizen. Our programs and information are available, but it is up to the people to use them to strengthen their own capacities in times of disaster,” he said.
This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for stronger national efforts in addressing climate-related risks and enhancing the country’s resilience against natural hazards.
Echoing this call, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. voiced his full support for the NDRM campaign, urging all Filipinos—including those in the uniformed services—to unite toward the common goal of disaster resilience.
Regional activities reflected this nationwide momentum:
- Region IX held a simultaneous clean-up drive in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay on July 3, with over 500 participants cleaning coastlines and flood-prone areas and planting mangroves to help mitigate climate impacts.
- Region VII kicked off its observance with a Unity Ride from Lapu-Lapu City to Danao City on July 5, followed by a commitment signing and capability exhibit along the Danao City Boardwalk.
- OCD MIMAROPA launched its month-long celebration in Marinduque on July 4 with a Holy Mass, a “Run for Resilience,” and a province-wide motorcade.
- In Northern Mindanao, local officials and stakeholders gathered for Kapihan sa PIA at the Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro to discuss disaster-resilient infrastructure and ongoing community preparedness programs.
On the national level, the Dangal Bantayog ng Katatagan (DBK) Selection Committee began its deliberations on July 4–5, while the RESCUELYMPICS knowledge-sharing events are underway in preparation for upcoming simulation drills and the final competition later this month.
As NDRM 2025 progresses, OCD continues to highlight the importance of whole-of-nation engagement in cultivating a culture of preparedness, safety, and resilience. The month-long celebration serves not only as a showcase of government initiatives but also as a call to action for individuals, communities, and institutions to work hand-in-hand in building a disaster-resilient Philippines.