Koronadal City, South Cotabato — Eleven local government units (LGUs) from across South Cotabato gathered at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center for the 2025 Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Summit. This two-day event, held on July 29–30, 2025, focused on promoting disaster preparedness, coordination, and community resilience.
Held under the theme “A DREAM: DRRM Education, Action, and Mission – Resiliency Advocacy, Building Resilient Communities through DREAM,” the summit underscored a province-wide commitment to building safer and more proactive communities.
Spearheaded by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the summit brought together DRRM officers, local chief executives, educators, emergency responders, and youth leaders from South Cotabato’s ten municipalities and one city. The event also welcomed representatives and partners from various national and regional government agencies. Adding national significance to the event, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), served as the keynote speaker.
In his address, Secretary Magno praised South Cotabato’s unified and inclusive approach to disaster risk reduction, stating:
“PDRRMO is one of the most active I’ve seen—one that can set an example not only for Mindanao but for the entire Philippines.”
He further expressed his commitment: “Today, I will officially join you, if you accept me as your ally, in achieving this DREAM for South Cotabato. Together, let us build a better South Cotabato, a better Region 12, a better Mindanao—one that rises not just after disaster strikes, but even before it does.”
Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., who also addressed the summit, reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to community-based resiliency efforts. He commended the leadership of PDRRMO Head Mr. Rolly Doane C. Aquino and emphasized that the DREAM framework—Disaster Risk Reduction and Management through Education, Action, and Mission—should be embraced not just as a program but as a way of life.
Additionally, the City of Koronadal, along with the municipalities of Banga, Lake Sebu, Norala, Polomolok, Surallah, Tampakan, Tantangan, T’boli, Tupi, and Sto. Niño, presented updates on their local DRRM initiatives. These included best practices in hazard mapping, community drills, early warning systems, and the integration of DRRM into local development plans.
Throughout the two-day summit, participants engaged in multi-agency simulation exercises designed to test emergency response protocols for earthquakes, flooding, and transport-related incidents. The program also featured DRRM research presentations, an exhibit and booth competition, and a series of interactive games and drills that explored how the DREAM advocacy can be integrated into schools, barangay-level planning, and public communication strategies.
As South Cotabato continues to confront the challenges brought about by climate change and environmental hazards, the 2025 DRRM Summit stands as a testament to the province’s unwavering commitment to unified leadership, community engagement, and mission-driven planning in building a more resilient future for all.
