VP Sara Duterte calls for stronger disaster preparedness as PH marks Disaster Resilience Month

Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday called for stricter enforcement of building safety standards and greater household preparedness as the country observed National Disaster Resilience Month, citing recent disasters that claimed lives and caused widespread destruction.

In a Facebook post, Duterte said disaster resilience begins with constant vigilance and early action, stressing that preparedness remains the country's strongest defense against natural hazards.

"Ang katatagan laban sa sakuna ay hinuhubog ng walang-patid na pagbabantay at maagang pagkilos. Ang isang bansang madalas tamaan ng kalamidad, ang pagiging handa ang pinakamalakas nating depensa," she said.

Duterte recalled the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao last month on the first day of classes in public schools, saying the disaster left more than 90 people dead and over 1,000 others injured.

She also cited the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Inday last week, saying that although it did not make landfall, it intensified the southwest monsoon, triggering lightning, flooding, and landslides that claimed the lives of 15 Filipinos.

As part of the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month, Duterte urged local government units to strictly implement building codes and safety standards, inspect evacuation centers, and improve emergency response protocols.

"Sa paggunita natin sa National Disaster Resilience Month, hinahamon ko ang ating mga lokal na pamahalaan na maghigpit na ipatupad ang mga building code at safety standards, suriin ang mga evacuation center, at ayusin ang mga emergency protocol," she said.

The vice president also encouraged Filipino families to take steps to prepare for disasters by monitoring emergency alerts, keeping survival kits, identifying evacuation routes, and participating in emergency drills.

"Sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino, tiyakin natin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga tahanan: laging subaybayan ang mga emergency alerts, maghanda ng survival kit, alamin ang mga ruta ng paglikas, at makilahok sa mga emergency drills. Ligtas lang ang isang komunidad kung ligtas ang pinakamahinang pamilya nito," she said.

Duterte said while earthquakes and typhoons cannot be prevented, the country can strengthen its infrastructure and communities to lessen their impact.

"Let us refuse to let tragedy be our only teacher. Readiness must live in every barangay, every school, every business, and every household," she said.

She ended her message by calling for a meaningful and action-oriented observance of National Disaster Resilience Month and urged Filipinos to work together for the country and future generations.