PBBM SONA promise realized in Tandag City’s disaster resilience efforts
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, (PIA) —The city government of Tandag, through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), led a simultaneous tree planting of fruit-bearing trees and a clean-up drive on July 11 at the City Nursery in Barangay San Jose, this city.
The activity was held in observance of both National Disaster Resilience Month and Nutrition Month 2025, and reflects the Bagong Pilipinas vision emphasized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he underscored the importance of climate action, food security, disaster preparedness, and citizen engagement in nation-building.
With this year’s theme, “KUMIKILOS: Kayang Umaksyon ng Mamamayan na Isabuhay ang Kahandaan ng Bawat Isa Para Maging Ligtas sa Oras ng Sakuna,” the activity aimed to raise community awareness on environmental protection, nutritional well-being, and disaster readiness.
City officials, members of the City DRRM Council, City Nutrition Committee, barangay representatives, partner agencies, and youth volunteers actively participated. Together, they planted fruit-bearing trees, symbolizing food security and ecological sustainability, and cleaned up the surrounding area, promoting a healthier and safer environment for all.
CDRRMO Officer Reyveen John Geli stressed that the initiative goes beyond symbolism.
“This simple act of planting and cleaning is a shared step toward a future where Tandag City is not only ready for calamities but is also a healthier and greener place for everyone,” Geli said.
In support of this advocacy, City ENRO Chief Edwin Ajos reported that Tandag City has already conducted five tree planting and growing activities in 2024 as part of its annual commitment to sustainability and climate resilience. Notably, 650 Lawaan trees planted recorded an impressive 99 percent survival rate, while 300 fruit-bearing trees achieved an 80 percent survival rate. These figures reflect the city’s consistent and data-driven efforts to integrate environmental stewardship into local development planning, aligning with its broader vision for a greener, safer, and disaster-resilient community.
The event also reinforces PBBM’s SONA priorities of empowering local government units (LGUs) to lead climate-resilient and food-secure community-building efforts, rooted in whole-of-government and whole-of-community approaches.
By combining disaster preparedness and nutrition promotion with active public participation, Tandag City is setting a strong example of how inclusive governance can directly respond to the challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation.
Indeed, as Tandag marks these national observances, it also cultivates a stronger sense of unity and civic responsibility, planting not only trees but hope and resilience for the future of every Tandaganon. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)