OCD expands disaster preparedness program

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will launch an expanded version of its disaster preparedness program next week to reach more Filipinos and enhance the country's preparedness.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

"Panatag Pilipinas 2.0" will kick off in Makati City on July 1, coinciding with this year's observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) with the theme "KUMIKI-LOS para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan, at Katatagan."

"Our celebration of the National [Disaster] Resilience Month is a way to remind everyone of the importance of being prepared for disasters that may affect our country, whether it be typhoons, floods, earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, and others," OCD spokesperson Director Chris Noel Bendijo said.

The NDRM celebration will put a spotlight on the public's collective action and preparedness for disasters across all sectors of society.

Originally launched as an online advocacy, the Panatag Pilipinas will now be screened through public screens in select malls, cinemas and properties nationwide.