TACLOBAN CITY, July 7 (PNA) –- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) has stepped up its drive to raise public awareness on disaster preparedness.
Office of the Civil Defense Regional Director Rey M. Gozon said various activities have been lined up to boost disaster preparedness and response in the region where many areas are vulnerable to natural disasters.
Among these activities are earthquake and tsunami drills, gathering of members of local disaster and risk reduction management councils, regional rescue jamboree in Maasin City, Southern Leyte. Local government units have already lined up various activities in towns and cities.
These are in line with the celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month with a theme: “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan.”
“The essence of the month-long observance is to promote public awareness on natural hazards and disseminate information on the steps to be undertaken to mitigate the adverse effects of such hazards,” Gozon said.
“We cannot stop natural disasters but we can arm ourselves with knowledge so that many lives would not have lost if there is enough disaster preparedness,” Gozon told government officials.
The official admitted that trauma brought by super typhoon Yolanda has raised public’s consciousness on disaster preparedness, but there’s a need to step up the level of response up to household level.
Eastern Visayas region launched the 2015 National Disaster Consciousness Month on July 1 through a motorcade within Tacloban, opening program at the Robinsons Place and photo exhibit.
July is declared National Disaster Consciousness Month by virtue of Executive Order No. 137, signed in August 1999 by then President Joseph Estrada. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/IRISH O. ALONZO LNU-INTERN
