With the theme “Kumikilos para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan, at Katatagan,” the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya (PGNV) formally concluded the month-long observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) through a culminating program held on July 31, 2025 at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center. The activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) headed by Mr. Robert L. Corpuz, under the leadership of Governor Jose V. Gambito.
The event brought together various stakeholders from Municipal DRRM offices (MDRRMOs), national agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), NV-Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Red Cross- NV Chapter, Kabalikat Civicom, 203rd Community Defense Center (CDC) and other volunteer responders and reservists in the province. In his message, Mr. Corpuz highlighted the province’s strengthened disaster preparedness. “We were not severely affected by the recent series of typhoons Crising, Dante, and Emong because of early planning and strong coordination through the NDRRM Council. This only proves that resilience means being prepared even before disaster strikes,” he said.
Board Member Flodemonte Gerdan who represented Governor Gambito, acknowledged the relevance of the theme to the province’s actions. “Your theme aligns with the work you do every day. Though we would have appreciated the presence of our policymakers and decision-makers from PGNV to witness your efforts firsthand, we sincerely thank all responders from the various municipalities. You are our heroes,” he said.
Vice Governor Eufemia A. Dacayo also encouraged continued collaboration in the face of calamities. “Let us work hand in hand especially in times of disaster, and continue to choose hope and compassion. Let us make our actions truly meaningful,” she said.
Meanwhile a message from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Leon D. Rafael was delivered by Mr. Ronald D. Vila, Chief of Operations. He highlighted the role of the local government units (LGUs) , as well as communities and responders amid the challenges brought by multiple tropical cyclone in the country. “May this activity remind us always to thrive as united partners in disaster management,’ Vila quoted RD Rafael.
The program also featured the awarding of top-performing partners and local responders. Among those recognized were the 203rd CDC, 2RCDG, Reserve Command, Philippine Army; Independent Kabalikat Civicom, Inc.; Philippine Red Cross – Nueva Vizcaya Chapter; Nueva Vizcaya Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP); Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office (PNP), as Most Outstanding CSOs, Private Sector and PDRRM Council. Various MDRRMOs were also honored as emergency response champions , communications champions, and still other municipalities for their outstanding IEC and advocacy engagement; active participation training and development skills; among others.
Gov. Gambito has prioritized disaster risk reduction management as a key pillar of his administration, ensuring the institutionalization of systems that safeguard communities in the province . Under his leadership, the NV Emergency Operations Center (NV-EOC) was established, accompanied by the full implementation of Emergency 911 system. /gloria
