The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Central Luzon reiterated its appeal to the public to prepare for the rainy season. They are encouraged to coordinate with their local government units (LGUs), and know where the nearest evacuation center is in case of emergencies. 

OCD OIC-Regional Director and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Chairperson Shelby Ruiz said everyone should take part in the different disaster awareness activities of their LGUs.

The agency also advises the public to have a ready “go-bag” which they can bring in times of disaster, as a step towards preparedness. 

Ruiz added that the public should also be mindful of the alert warnings they receive via text messaging from RDRRMC.

“We constantly provide information and alert warnings on thunderstorms, heavy rainfalls, storm signals, and other weather advisories,” she said. 

RDRRMC also conducts Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meetings whenever it monitors low pressure areas or any impending weather disturbance to determine its possible effects to the region, as well as identify the needs and gaps or measures that should be done, and report it to the national government so that the latter will be ready to assist the region. 

“Aside from PDRA meetings, we also hold full council meetings where we inform our members and the LGUs of the possible typhoons that may affect the region and also to consolidate preparedness actions of the LGUs and national government agencies,” Ruiz said. 

RDRRMC and its local counterparts likewise conduct after action review to evaluate best practices such as continuous capacity building and investing in resources; as well as the areas needing improvement in terms of disaster preparedness and response. 

On the health side, Ruiz explained that the Department of Health has contingency plans and other preparedness activities to prevent waterborne, influenza, leptospirosis and dengue (WILD) diseases, and ensure enough supply of medicines in cases of outbreak. 

“Let us help in terms of information dissemination. Let us all do our part to help mitigate the risks and impacts of disasters in our region,” she appealed. 

Executive Order No. 29, series of 2017 designates July of each year as National Disaster Resilience Month.

This year’s observance carries the theme “BIDAng Pilipino: Building a Stronger Filipino Well-being towards Disaster Resilience.” (PIA 3)