July is National Disaster Resilience Month: Here’s How Your Family Can Join the Movement
Actor Dingdong Dantes has been announced as the ambassador of the Civil Defense Office’s campaign Panatag Pilipinas in honor of National Disaster Resilience Month
This July, the Philippines observes National Disaster Resilience Month, with the Civil Defense Office — the implementing arm of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) — leading this year’s campaign under the theme: “KUMIKILOS — Para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan at Katatagan.
To bring the message closer to home, actor, host, and Navy reservist Dingdong Dantes was named the ambassador for the Civil Defense Office’s Panatag Pilipinas campaign. Representatives from various government departments were also present during the launch in Makati.
Screenshot from Civil Defense Facebook
Dingdong Dantes on Why Preparedness Begins at Home
As a father of two and a longtime volunteer in the Navy and other civic organizations, Dingdong said it was a no-brainer to accept the role.
“Nasaksihan ko po mismo ang epekto ng mga disasters. Nakita ko po yung mga bahay na gumuho, yung mga kabuhayan na nawasak at mga pamilyang nagdadalamahti,” he shared during the launch.
He recalled not only the destruction but the hopes and dreams lost during calamities.
“Sa isipan ko, may mga tanong na paulit-ulit na tinatanong ko sa aking sarili paano ba natin ito maiiwasan? Ano pa ba ang pwede natin gawin? Pero higit sa lahat, paano kung mangyari ito sa ating mga pamilya?”
For Dingdong, it’s clear that being reactive isn’t enough. Instead, he believes we must all adopt a culture of preparedness—not just in our communities, but especially within our homes.
“Ibig sabihin nito, kailangan natin isabuhay yung ika nga culture of preparedness na hindi lang sa ating komunidad kung hindi higit sa lahat sa loob ng ating mga tahanan.”
Preparedness Involves Everyone
Dingdong emphasized that preparedness isn’t exclusive to experts; it’s something everyone should understand and take part in. He also stressed the vital role of community leaders, volunteers, and neighbors during disasters.
“Kapag lahat may alam, automatic lahat may laban.”
The campaign, he added, aims to make preparedness feel relatable, empowering, and part of everyday life — not something intimidating or technical.
“Ang kampanyang ito ay may magandang panawagan. Gusto nitong gawing relatable ang kahandaan, at sana maging bahagi ito ng pang-araw-araw na buhay… at maging responsibilidad ng bawat isa.”
And he left the audience with a powerful reminder: “Dahil ang taong may alam, panatag. Ang may pakialam, panatag. At kapag sabay-sabay ang pagkilos, panatag ang Pilipinas.”
Let’s Go Beyond Resiliency
Filipinos are known for being resilient. But this National Disaster Resilience Month, the call is clear: we must go beyond resilience and take action — as individuals, as families, and as a nation.
For parents, this means teaching children the value of preparedness early on. Talk to them about what to do during calamities. Familiarize them with essential tools and items they should have on hand, like flashlights, whistles, power banks, emergency contact cards, and first-aid kits.
More than that, keep the Bayanihan spirit alive. In times of disaster, it’s not just institutions that respond — it’s neighbors helping neighbors, families helping families.
Because when every Filipino is prepared, every Filipino is protected.
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