The Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is rolling out innovative programs to equip students with essential survival skills as part of proactive community preparedness for calamities. Dr. Nagiel Bañacia, the city's DRRM officer, announced these initiatives during the Kapihan sa PIA forum on July 1, 2026, marking the start of National Disaster Resilience Month.
Investing in Youth for a Disaster-Resilient Future
Bañacia emphasized the importance of early education in building a disaster-resilient nation. “We are investing more in the children as the hope of the future. We teach them early on for them to learn because the objective of the country is to be a disaster-resilient country,” he said. The programs focus on cultivating a culture of preparedness across elementary and secondary schools in Lapu-Lapu City.
Now in its fifth year, the Public School Rescue Olympics evaluates student readiness through challenges like bucket relays, emergency evacuations, and first-aid drills. These activities directly address the city's primary hazards, such as fires, by teaching practical prevention and mitigation measures.
Significant Reduction in Fire Damage
According to Bañacia, fire damage in the city has dropped by 99 percent, a result he attributes to collective community efforts, including active student participation. This aligns with the city's Community-managed DRR framework, where local communities act as first responders during disasters.
Engaging Youth Through Mascots and Competitions
To make disaster awareness more engaging, Bañacia introduced the official safety mascot, Opong Andam—a blend of Oponganon (Lapu-Lapu City residents) and Andam (Cebuano for ready). The mascot was brought to life through a design contest held across city schools.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 7 commended the Lapu-Lapu City CDRRMO for its innovative programs. RDRRMC 7 chairperson and OCD Regional Director Joel Mamon outlined activities for the month-long celebration, anchored in the four pillars of DRRM: Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Rehabilitation and Recovery. Weekly webinars with various agencies will promote regional disaster resilience.
“With the different activities that promote and strengthen our communities in disaster resilience,” said Mamon. The celebration, themed Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas, underscores grassroots preparedness in building disaster-resilient communities.
