Sorsogon Opens National Disaster Resilience Month 2026 with Unity, Prayer, and Preparedness

SORSOGON CITY — The Province of Sorsogon formally joins the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) 2026 on July 1 through a meaningful display of faith, unity, and operational readiness, reaffirming its commitment to building safer and more resilient communities.

The kick-off celebration began with a Holy Mass at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, where disaster responders, government officials, and partner institutions gathered in thanksgiving and prayer. A significant highlight of the celebration was the blessing of emergency response vehicles, rescue equipment, and operational assets, symbolizing the responders’ unwavering dedication to protecting lives and serving communities during emergencies and disasters.

Following the religious service, emergency response units from across the province participated in a ceremonial motorcade along the major streets of Sorsogon City. The convoy served not only as the official opening of the month-long observance but also as a public demonstration of the province’s collective capability and readiness to respond to disasters and emergencies.

Participating in the event were the Philippine National Police (PNP) Response Cluster, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), 903rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, 22nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, Sorsogon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices of Bulan, Bulusan, Donsol, Gubat, Juban, Magallanes, Matnog, Pilar, and Prieto Diaz, together with Sorsogon State University – DRRM/Climate Change Office. They were joined by the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (SPDRRMO), the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (SPDRRMC), and other partner agencies committed to advancing disaster resilience in the province.

This year’s observance carries the national theme, “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas.” At the same time, Sorsogon continues to champion its local campaign, “Una An Sorsoganon” and “An Komunidad na Preparado, Harayo sa Peligro.” The theme underscores the importance of proactive preparedness, strong inter-agency collaboration, and active community participation in reducing disaster risks.

The successful opening of National Disaster Resilience Month reflects the strong partnership among national government agencies, local government units, uniformed services, academic institutions, emergency responders, and volunteers. More importantly, it highlights a shared vision of ensuring that every Sorsoganon is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to face natural and human-induced hazards.

Throughout the month of July, the Provincial Government of Sorsogon, through the SPDRRMO and SPDRRMC, will conduct a series of capacity-building activities, training programs, simulation exercises, and public awareness campaigns designed to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities across the province.

As the celebration officially commenced, one message resonated throughout the gathering: disaster resilience is a collective responsibility. Through sustained cooperation, preparedness, and community engagement, Sorsogon continues to move toward a future where every family, every community, and every institution is better prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

With responders standing shoulder to shoulder and emergency assets blessed before the community they serve, the opening of NDRM 2026 served as more than a ceremonial event; it was a powerful declaration that Sorsogon remains united, vigilant, and ready to respond, embodying the spirit of “Una An Sorsoganon” and “An Komunidad na Preparado, Harayo sa Peligro.”