AS THE country prepares for the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month in July, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) calls on the incoming Cebu provincial administration to fully support the office in strengthening disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery initiatives across the province, addressing both predictable weather disturbances and geological hazards.
This call was divulged during a news forum on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, by PDRRMO head Neil Sanchez. Upgrades for rescue equipment were also added to a wishlist for the new administration by PDRRMO spokesman Wilson Ramos.
The officials admit that while their primary goal is to ensure public safety, convincing people to suspend their livelihoods during calamities remains a significant challenge. This has been a long-running issue for PDRRMO.
“Focus kaayo ta sa pagbutang sa mga tao sa safe areas, evacuating them in safe areas. What about their livelihood? Di man gyud kalikayan naa man gyuy mobalik,” said Sanchez. (We focus heavily on putting people in safe areas, evacuating them to safe areas. What about their livelihood? It’s unavoidable that some will return.)
He stressed that this problem is not only present in the Philippines but is also a challenge in other countries, including first-world nations.
A tragic incident in the City of Naga was cited by Sanchez, where a 75-year-old man was swept away by floodwaters while tending to his carabao despite the weather bureau Pagasa’s advisory for heavy rain last June 7.
Aside from safety issues, Sanchez also pointed out that despite the PDRRMO’s efforts in saving lives, misinformation hinders their actions from being recognized and trusted by the public.
“While the government, our National Government partners, our local government units are doing their best para pag-evacuate, kinahanglan gihapon ta ug kuan (cooperation) sa katawhan kay sila man gyud ang grabing maapektohan ani nga aspeto,” Sanchez added. (While the government, our National Government partners, our local government units are doing their best to evacuate, we still need the cooperation of the people because they are the ones most gravely affected in this aspect.)
The PDRRMO stands at the forefront of disaster preparedness, working with Pagasa to provide timely advisories and guiding decisions on class cancellations and evacuations. Republic Act 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, mandates chief executives to take appropriate actions when deemed necessary, such as the cancellation of classes.
Sanchez also advised parents not to risk the safety of their children and to trust their judgment when they feel that the weather condition is not safe, even when there is no official suspension.
“Pahimangno lang sa mga katawhan nga mag bantay lang ta maminaw lang ta sa mga pahimangno na sa mga barangay officials. Kung naay mga forced evacuation mo tuman lang gyud ta,” Ramos advised. (A reminder to the people to be vigilant and listen to the advisories of the barangay officials. If there are forced evacuations, let’s really obey.)
Sanchez also urges the public to help them disseminate information and raise awareness as much as National Disaster Resilience Month is concerned. / DIVINA GRACE BENDANILLO, CNU INTERN