Tandag strengthens disaster resilience through whole-of-government action
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Reinforcing the national call for a safer and more resilient Philippines, the city government of Tandag launched its observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month, highlighting the importance of proactive governance, community preparedness, and collective action in building disaster-resilient communities under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Held on July 6, with the theme “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Para sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” the opening program at the Parkshed of the Tandag City Hall compound in Barangay Awasian brought together members of the Surigao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Tandag City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) members chaired by Mayor Roxanne Pimentel, city and barangay officials, government employees, national government agencies, and development partners in a collective call to strengthen disaster resilience.
The observance highlighted the importance of whole-of-government and whole-of-society collaboration in reducing disaster risks amid the increasing threats posed by climate change and natural hazards.
CDRRM Officer Reveen John Geli presented the city’s major disaster risk reduction and management accomplishments during the first half of 2026, underscoring Tandag’s sustained investments in building resilient communities.
Key accomplishments include a citywide earthquake and tsunami drill, a four-day CDRRM updating and planning workshop, community-based preparedness activities, capacity-building initiatives, and other resilience-building programs.
“Our accomplishments show that disaster resilience is not built overnight. It is achieved through continuous planning, collaboration, and community participation,” Geli said.
Following the opening ceremony, the CDRRMC convened its third-quarter full council meeting, presided over by Vice Mayor Eleanor Momo on behalf of Mayor Roxanne Pimentel, where members approved strategic measures to strengthen the city’s disaster preparedness and emergency response systems.
Among the significant actions taken by the council was the approval of humanitarian assistance for families affected by the recent earthquake in Sarangani Province, reflecting Tandag City’s commitment to solidarity and humanitarian action beyond its jurisdiction.
The council likewise approved the Tandag City El Niño Action Plan, which outlines preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the effects of prolonged dry conditions on agriculture, water resources, health, and other critical sectors.
To further institutionalize participatory governance, the council also received an orientation on the Philippine Open Government Partnership (OGP) Localization Program, emphasizing transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and responsive governance in local disaster risk reduction planning.
The activity reaffirmed that disaster resilience extends beyond emergency response. It requires sound policies, evidence-based planning, sustained investments, and active citizen participation to reduce vulnerabilities and protect lives.
As disasters continue to become more frequent and complex, Tandag City’s initiatives demonstrate how local governments can translate national priorities into concrete community actions, advancing the vision of a safer, more resilient, and Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas through effective local governance. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
