Tandag City strengthens disaster preparedness with “Safe Schools, Resilient Youth”
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- In a proactive effort to strengthen disaster resilience among the youth, the city government of Tandag, recently launched a comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) advocacy campaign in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) – Tandag City Division.
Spearheaded by the City DRRM Office, the campaign dubbed as “Safe Schools, Resilient Youth: A Disaster Risk Reduction And Management Advocacy,” featured interactive learning sessions, hands-on activities, and emergency response demonstrations that equipped young learners with vital DRRM knowledge and skills.
The advocacy campaign is implemented in all elementary and secondary schools within the city until yearend.
Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel emphasized the importance of early education on disaster preparedness, stating that empowering students with the right knowledge will contribute to safer and more resilient communities.
Meanwhile, Reyveen John Geli, Tandag City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief, shared that the initiative aims to enhance disaster awareness and preparedness among school children and students across the city.
He said that the first batch of the program commenced this month of March that covered six schools in its initial rollout:
March 4 – Mabuhay Integrated School
March 4 – Meliton M. Ajos Memorial Integrated School
March 5 – Carmen Integrated School
March 5 – Pandanon Elementary School
March 6 – San Jose Elementary School
March 6 – San Isidro Elementary School
‘Building a culture of resilience
Also, Geli assured the public that the initiative is aligned with the city’s commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction measures under the Resilient Communities Program (RCP) known as, "Kung may kahibawo, halayo sa peligro!" (With knowledge, we stay away from danger).
This initiative reflected Tandag City's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its citizens, reinforcing the core values of care, compassion, and disaster resilience. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)