The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI (DSWD XI) joined national and local government agencies today, July 4, 2025 for the regional kickoff of the 2025 National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

This year’s observance carries the theme, “KUMIKILOS para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan at Katatagan” (Kayang Umaksyon ng Mamamayan na Isabuhay ang Kahandaan ng bawat Isa para maging Ligtas sa Oras ng Sakuna), underscoring proactive community engagement in disaster preparedness and resilience.

Activities during the launch included a tree-planting event in Barangay Magupising, a press conference, advocacy exhibits, and a formal ceremony attended by representatives from regional line agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, and community volunteers.

As Vice-Chair for Disaster Response under the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council XI (RDRRMC XI), DSWD XI reaffirmed its role in safeguarding vulnerable sectors before, during, and after disasters.

“DSWD XI stands firmly with all stakeholders in ‘Kumikilos para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan, at Katatagan.’ Kanunay kaming andam nga makighiusa ug moserbisyo kaninyo,” said DSWD XI OIC Regional Director Merlinda Paragamac during the event.

Paragamac emphasized that resilience entails ensuring access to social protection through prepositioning relief supplies, managing evacuation centers, delivering psychosocial support, and facilitating early recovery efforts.

“Walay ahensya nga makalahutay niini nga mag-inusara lang. That is why we call on our LGUs, CSOs, partners, volunteers, and community leaders—magtinabangay ta—to ensure no one is left behind in preparedness efforts,” she added.

Meanwhile, Office of Civil Defense XI Regional Director Ednar Dayanghirang echoed the call for strengthened community response mechanisms, advocating for the establishment of disaster responders at the purok level.

“I hope to pursue with you as partners the purok-level disaster responders, meaning duol na gyud ta sa katawhan, because that is the essence of the law. RA 10121 says resilience must be in the people. So our efforts must go nearer and nearer to the people. I hope we can execute that from this year onward,” Dayanghirang said.

NDRM 2025 activities will run throughout July, featuring events such as a Video Infographics Contest for local government units and culminating in a regional program on July 28 in Davao City.

DSWD XI and its partners reiterated their commitment to building a more prepared and disaster-resilient Davao Region, ensuring that no one is left behind.