The Department of Agriculture (DA) joins the nation in commemorating the 36th National Disaster Resilience Month under this year’s theme ‘Bantayog ng Katatagan at ang Pagbubuklod sa Layuning Kahandaan,’ emphasizing the need for continued dedication to disaster resilience and support for affected communities.
During the opening ceremony held at the DA Central Office, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., called on everyone to redouble their efforts to restore affected enterprises and recover the nation’s losses in light of the tail-end of the most challenging weather phenomenon, El Niño.
“The farmers and fisherfolk of provinces hard-hit by the drought have shown great courage and resilience in dealing with the tremendous damage it has left behind,” Secretary Tiu Laurel.
“I urge the men and women of this agency and our colleagues in the Office of Civil Defense to respond with equivalent tenacity as we continue to restore their enterprises and regain what our nation has lost,” he added.
The Agri chief also reported that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has pledged to strengthen the farm and fishery sectors against future calamities, aiming to build a well-organized, modern agriculture and fisheries sector that can drive the national economy and ensure food security.
“The President has vowed to build a well-organized, modern agriculture and fisheries sector brimming with hope and resilience—able to drive the national economy, feed our nation, and compete with its counterparts abroad. Together, we must renew our dedication to the work of turning that national policy into a living reality,” he said.
Meanwhile, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro underscored the critical role of the DA in disaster resilience. He highlighted how the agency’s efforts are essential for maintaining food security, enhancing productivity, balancing the supply and demand of food and raw materials, and modernizing the agriculture sector.
“These sensitive agriculture and food security systems are needed to effectively respond to the increasing severity and frequency of disaster events mainly attributed to climate change,” he said.
An unveiling of an exhibit followed at the DA lobby, graced by the DA chief, OCD ASec. Alejandro, and other DA officials. The exhibit displays various Information, Education, and Communication materials to educate people on disaster preparedness.
The yearly observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month is mandated by Executive Order No. 29, signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte on June 28, 2017. The order directs nationwide activities during National Disaster Resilience Month, focusing on enhancing disaster resilience in four key areas: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation. ### (Ira Y. Cruz, DA-AFID)
