CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Office of Civil Defense Regional Office X (OCD-X), in partnership with SM CDO Downtown, officially launched the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) 2026 on July 1 through a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Caravan and Static Display, highlighting the region’s commitment to building safer and more disaster-resilient communities.
The event, which served as the official regional kick-off, gathered members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)-X, local government units, development partners, uniformed services, civil society organizations, schools, volunteers, media representatives, and the public in a unified effort to promote disaster preparedness and resilience.
Representatives of the four thematic pillars of disaster risk reduction and management—Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Response and Early Recovery, and Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery—joined the opening ceremony, along with officials from various national government agencies and partner organizations.
In his keynote address, OCD-X Regional Director and RDRRMC-X Chairperson Antonio B. Sugarol underscored the significance of this year’s theme, “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas.” He said disaster resilience begins with sustained preparedness, active community participation, and strong partnerships among government agencies, local governments, the private sector, and the public. He urged every Filipino to make preparedness a daily habit rather than an annual activity.
One of the event’s highlights was the DRRM Caravan and Static Display, where participating agencies showcased disaster preparedness programs, emergency response equipment, rescue capabilities, and public safety initiatives. Among the participating agencies were DSWD Field Office X, DOST-PHIVOLCS, PAGASA, the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Red Cross, DICT, and other RDRRMC-X member agencies.
Local disaster risk reduction and management offices from Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin also presented their disaster management programs, emphasizing the critical role of local governments in strengthening community resilience.
Visitors, including students, families, and disaster risk reduction advocates, toured the exhibits, viewed emergency response vehicles and equipment, and participated in information sessions and demonstrations designed to improve public awareness and preparedness.
Simultaneous launch activities were likewise held in the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental, demonstrating Northern Mindanao’s unified commitment to advancing disaster resilience across the region.
Director Sugarol expressed his gratitude to all participating agencies, local government units, partner organizations, volunteers, schools, civil society groups, media partners, and SM CDO Downtown for helping make the regional launch a success. He noted that the kick-off marks the beginning of a month-long series of activities aimed at promoting disaster prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation, while reinforcing the message that disaster resilience is a shared responsibility and a way of life.