In spite of technological innovations, most calamities are still hard to predict and prevent. Thus it is essential to constantly orient the public on how to be aware and well-prepared in times of disasters in order to prevent or at least mitigate its punitive impact.

Department of Social Welfare and Development MIMAROPA conducts the kick-off Celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month 2017, Monday, July 3 at Malate, Manila.

Activity was celebrated in order to show DSWD’s commitment to quickly and compassionately serve the public before, during, and after disasters.

Various activities were conducted such as: orientation on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; bloodletting; orientation on disaster preparedness; games related to disaster consciousness; distribution of first aid kit, whistle, and flashlight; and Eucharistic Celebration.

National Disaster Consciousness Month is observed every July in accordance to Executive Order No. 137 issued on August 10, 1999 by then President Joseph Estrada.

With the theme, “4Ks, Kamalayan sa Kahandaan, Katumbas ay Kaligtasan”, the event focuses on heightening awareness and strengthening preparedness of the public in order to prevent the harsh impacts of man-made and natural disasters.

“Mahalagang magkaroon tayo ng sapat na kaalaman kung paano maging handa at maiwasan ang sakuna. Lalong lalo na ngayon at pumasok na ang buwan na maraming ng dumarating na bagyo sa ating bansa,” says Sheila S. Tapia, Social Welfare Officer IV, Disaster Response Assistance and Management Unit (DReAM U) Head.