GUIMARAS KICKS OFF NATIONAL DISASTER RESILIENCE MONTH
The Provincial Government of Guimaras officially kicked off the observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) on July 1, 2026, with a motorcade and an opening program held at the Capitol Grounds, highlighting the province’s continuing commitment to disaster preparedness and resilience.
Organized by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the activity gathered Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, national government agencies, uniformed personnel, volunteers, and partner stakeholders. Participants simultaneously started the motorcade from their respective municipalities before converging at the Kapitolyo Probinsiyal for the opening ceremony.
This year’s observance carries the theme, “Naghahanda at Kumikilos para sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” emphasizing proactive preparedness, collective action, and whole-of-society participation in building disaster-resilient communities.
Serving as the Guest of Honor and Speaker was Raul E. Fernandez, Director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VI and Chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC).
In her message, Governor Ma. Lucille L. Nava underscored that resilience begins long before disasters strike.
“It is very fitting that on the first day of the month, we open one of our most important endeavors for the protection of our people through disaster risk reduction and management,” Governor Nava said.
She stressed that resilience is built through continuous preparation and shared responsibility, especially for a province like Guimaras that remains vulnerable to natural hazards.
“We all know that resilience is not only built during times of disaster. It should be prepared, it should be built way before that, way before all these strong winds come and all these water rise. We should all be prepared. We are in a position… in an area where disasters are unpreventable and what we could only do is that we could lessen the impact on these. But with shared responsibility, with unity and preparedness, we could protect the most important aspect of all, our people,” she emphasized.
Governor Nava also described the month-long observance as more than a ceremonial celebration, but a continuing call for every Guimarasnon to remain vigilant and prepared.
“We should be resilient, we should be prepared, we should always take steps and take action so, this Disaster Resilience Month is not just a simple celebration, it is a call for action. A continuous call for action for us to protect our people, to protect our province from all these natural disasters,” she added.
Director Fernandez, meanwhile, commended the Provincial Government of Guimaras and its partner agencies for fostering a strong culture of preparedness and collaboration.
“The theme reminds us that resilience is not built overnight. It is built through preparations, strengthened by decisive actions and sustained by the collective commitment of every Filipino. So, ito po yung pinapakita ng mga taga-Guimaras,” Fernandez said.
He lauded the unity among government agencies, the private sector, volunteer organizations, and communities, describing Guimaras as an example of how collaboration strengthens disaster resilience.
Although one of the country’s smallest island provinces, Fernandez noted that Guimaras plays a significant role in disaster risk reduction and management due to its exposure to tropical cyclones, earthquakes, and tsunami hazards.
Because of these risks, he announced that the Fourth Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill is being planned in Guimaras, particularly in the Municipality of Nueva Valencia, to test contingency plans and assess the preparedness of local communities.
Director Fernandez further emphasized that preparedness is no longer an option but a necessity.
“Guimaras has shown that resilience is built through foresight, collaboration, and decisive leadership. The province’s continues to strengthen its emergency preparedness, invest in capacity building, and foster partnerships among government agencies, local communities, volunteers, and the private sector. These efforts demonstrate that even a small island province can become a model of disaster resilience for the entire nation,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the Office of Civil Defense’s commitment to supporting Guimaras in strengthening disaster preparedness, enhancing response capabilities, and promoting resilience across all sectors.
“The Office of Civil Defense remains fully committed in supporting the Province of Guimaras and our local government units in enhancing disaster preparedness, strengthening response capabilities, and promoting resilience in all sector. Together, we will continue building barangays that are not only capable of responding to disasters, but are also prepared to recover stronger and build back better,” he added.
As the province formally opened the month-long observance, participants renewed their commitment to transforming awareness into action and making preparedness a way of life, further advancing the shared goal of building safer, stronger, and more resilient communities throughout Guimaras.