The Department of Social Welfare and Development has assured the public that it remains prepared to deliver swift emergency response and sustained relief assistance as the country observes National Disaster Resilience Month 2026.
“The DSWD reiterates its commitment to providing swift, sustained relief assistance to all Filipinos before, during, and after calamities. Hindi po tumitigil ang DSWD sa pakikipag-coordinate with all the local government units (LGUs) and national agencies upang makapagbigay ng disaster preparedness programs sa mga komunidad, at ng kaukulang assistance na kanilang kinakailangan,” DSWD Disaster Response Management Group Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on July 2.
The annual observance of National Disaster Resilience Month, now in its 38th year in the Philippines, is held every July to promote climate resilience and community-driven disaster preparedness.
The nationwide campaign is led by the Office of Civil Defense, together with other national government agencies.
As part of the observance, the DSWD and its Field Offices will conduct several activities to remind officials and employees of the importance of disaster resilience.
These include a one-week photo contest and photo exhibit that will allow employees to present stories reflecting the theme, “Humanity in Focus: Stories of Resilience in Times of Crisis.”
The DSWD will also hold a quiz bee to test employees’ knowledge on disaster response and preparedness.
“Magkakaroon din ng webinar ang DSWD sa pangunguna ng ating Disaster Response and Management Bureau (DRMB) this coming Tuesday, July 7. Dito matututuhan ng ating mga kawani kung paano tayo magiging disaster-resilient both in the community and in the workplace,” said Dumlao, who also serves as DSWD spokesperson.
As vice chair for disaster response under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the DSWD said it remains at the forefront of efforts to reduce hazards and ease the impact of calamities on affected communities.
Dumlao emphasized the need for the agency to remain proactive at all times to help reduce casualties, minimize the adverse effects of disasters, and speed up the recovery of affected Filipinos.
“Under the Buong Bansa Handa (BBH) framework, the Department is confident that everyone experiencing displacement or loss of home due to disasters will receive immediate support from the government, including family food packs (FFPs) and non-food items (NFIs). Ito naman po ang kagustuhan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., dapat bawat Pilipino ay hindi makakaranas ng gutom at mayroong nakahandang kagamitan o pansamantalang matutuluyan sa oras ng sakuna,” Dumlao said.