The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is leading the kickoff ceremony for this year’s National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
The 2026 observance carries the theme, “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” emphasizing the need for preparedness, coordinated action, and shared responsibility in building a disaster-resilient country.
In his National Disaster Resilience Month message, OCD Administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros said the call for resilience has become more urgent as the country continues to face natural hazards, climate-related threats, and other emerging risks.
“The message of resilience is not new, but its importance grows even more urgent as we continue to face hazards, climate-related threats, and other emerging risks. Building resilience requires sustained commitment and meaningful collaboration among all sectors of society,” Usec. Cabreros said.
Cabreros reaffirmed the OCD’s commitment to a whole-of-society approach to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), stressing that no single institution can confront disasters alone.
“We continue to advocate for a whole-of-society approach to disaster risk reduction and management. No single institution can address the threats posed by hazards and disasters alone. Lasting progress can only be achieved when we work together toward a common goal,” he added.
According to the OCD, this year’s theme highlights that resilience begins with preparedness and is sustained through collective action. It also underscores the importance of anticipating risks and taking proactive measures before, during, and after disasters.
The agency said the observance reinforces the shared responsibility of government, communities, civil society, the private sector, and every Filipino in strengthening the country’s disaster resilience.
“By fostering a culture of preparedness and informed decision-making, we become active partners in protecting lives, livelihoods, and the environment,” Usec. Cabreros said.
National Disaster Resilience Month traces its roots to Executive Order No. 137, signed in 1999, which established National Disaster Consciousness Month. In 2017, Executive Order No. 29 renamed the observance as National Disaster Resilience Month to highlight resilience as a shared national responsibility.
The executive order also mandates the nationwide conduct of activities promoting disaster resilience across the four thematic areas of disaster risk reduction and management: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery.
For this year’s observance, the OCD and its partner agencies will hold a series of activities aimed at improving public awareness, enhancing capabilities, and sustaining national discussions on resilience.
Among the major activities are the Over Coffee Dialogues, which seek to promote meaningful conversations on disaster preparedness by discussing different hazards and the actions the public can take to address them.
The Rescuelympics and Rescue Jamboree, led by OCD Regional Offices, will provide capability-building opportunities through simulation exercises and hands-on disaster response training for emergency responders.
The OCD will also lead the Panatag Pilipinas Campaign, which aims to deepen public awareness and understanding of hazards, disaster risks, and appropriate preparedness measures.
The month-long observance will conclude with the National Disaster Resilience Month Recognition Ceremony, which will honor government agencies, local government units, and partner organizations that have shown exemplary initiatives and sustained commitment to building a more disaster-resilient Philippines.