March 29, 2024

The city government has prepared a set of activities in celebration of July as National Disaster Resilience Month with the theme, “Sambayanang Pilipino, nagkakaisa tungo sa katatagan at maunlad na kinabukasan.”

In the virtual management committee meeting of local officials led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, July 7, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Antonette Anaban  said activities include the Serbisyo para sa Bayan Program in celebration of the fourth  anniversary of the PTV Cordillera’s public service program “Isyu@Serbisyo” and commemoration of the 1990 Luzon killer earthquake on July 16, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Malcolm Square, SM City-Baguio, and Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.

A free medical and legal mission is scheduled on the same day, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Malcolm Square with a blood-letting and/or donation drive by the Philippine Red Cross; diabetic screening, dental, vision/eye check-up by the Baguio Everlasting Lions Club; mobile vaccination by the Department of Health and City Health Services Office; general medical check-up by the Rotary Club of Baguio Highlands; free legal consultation by the Public Attorney’s Office and Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

Also on July 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., a one-stop shop government agencies booth showcase will be held at SM City Baguio that includes the Social Security System, Government Service and Insurance System, Pag-Ibig; Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, and Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration; Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority; Department of Labor and Employment and Civil Service Commission; Police Regional Office-Cordillera, 503rd Infantry Brigade, 14th CAR RCDG, Arescom, Bureau of Fire Protection-CAR, and National Intelligence and Coordinating Agency.

Anaban said these agencies will do promotional, processing and other client-centered activities during the event.

An opening program and launching of the DRRM exhibit will be held at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., highlighted by the messages of Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Albert Mogol, PTV-Cordillera Station Manager Richard Valdez, and other guests.

The celebration aims to promote awareness on climate change adaptation and mitigation, DRRM, and disaster resilience efforts and capabilities in the Cordillera; showcase and bring closer to people the services and programs of various government agencies; and reinforce and showcase PTV Cordillera being an active partner in DRRM/risk/crisis communications as the ultimate news and information source in North Luzon. – Gaby B. Keith