The City of Dagupan, led by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, was up early to show solidarity with the nation in celebrating National Disaster Resilience Month, kicking off the observance with a motorcade through the city’s main thoroughfares this morning, Thursday, July 10.
The mayor was joined by Councilor Jigs Seen, representatives from national agencies, the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee (BDRRMC), and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Mayor Fernandez emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “Umagang-umaga pa lang po, talagang umiikot na po tayo because we are creating awareness sa ating siyudad na lahat ay kailangang maging prepared.”
Guided by the theme “KUMIKILOS, Para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan, at Katatagan” and spearheaded by the CDRRMO, the city conducted the turnover of personal protective gear and rescue equipment—such as life vests, reflectorized vests, whistles, ropes, and traffic batons—as well as Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials featuring emergency hotline numbers. These were distributed to the BDRRMCs, led by their respective barangay captains, who serve as the primary responders in their communities.
In addition to the equipment, the city also recently acquired various disaster response vehicles. The mayor shared that the CDRRMO continues to conduct training across all 31 barangays and with families, along with the “HANDA KA BA?” IEC campaign, to help sustain a disaster-ready community.
Known for her flagship “Unliserbisyo” programs, which include strong efforts in disaster preparedness, the local chief executive emphasized the city’s commitment to ensuring that every Dagupeño is equipped and well-informed.
“Nature is beyond our control. Our resilience and preparedness must rise above all the challenges,” she added.
Disaster Risk Reduction Committee Chairman, Councilor Atty. Joey Tamayo, was also present to show support, sharing his plans to further improve disaster response measures.
CDRRMO Chief Ronald De Guzman likewise assured that his office remains fully supportive of the barangays, particularly in their disaster preparedness initiatives.
Joining the city in its advocacy were key partners who share the same goal, including the Public Alert Response and Monitoring Center headed by Melykhen Bauzon; the Dagupan Philippine National Police, led by Chief Brendon Palisoc; the Bureau of Fire Protection Dagupan, led by Chief Jun Eland Wanawan; along with other city offices and national government agencies.
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