Sara Duterte urges LGUs, families to ramp up preparations for disasters

Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday called on local government units (LGUs) and Filipino families to implement stricter measures to prepare for calamities this National Disaster Resilience Month.

In a video message, the Vice President said tragedies should not serve as teachers for the nation, stressing that readiness for any disaster must live in every barangay, school, business, and household.

"Ang katatagan laban sa sakuna ay hinuhubog ng walang-patid na pagbabantay at maagang pagkilos. Ang isang bansang madalas tamaan ng kalamidad, ang pagiging handa ang pinakamalakas nating depensa," she said.

(Disaster resilience is forged through constant vigilance and early action. For a country that is often struck by calamities, preparedness is our strongest defense.)

"Hindi natin mapipigilan ang paglindol o ang paglakas ng mga bagyo, ngunit nasa kamay natin ang pagpapatibay ng ating impraestraktura at komunidad," she added.

(We may not prevent earthquakes and strong typhoons, but strengthening our infrastructure and communities lies in our hands.)

Duterte urged LGUs to strictly enforce building codes and safety standards, inspect evacuation centers, and refine emergency protocols.

As for families who may be affected, she reminded them that the safety of their homes should be ensured. The Vice President also encouraged households to stay updated on emergency alerts, prepare a survival kit, familiarize themselves with evacuation routes, and participate in emergency drills.

"Ligtas lang ang isang komunidad kung ligtas ang pinakamahinang pamilya nito," Duterte emphasized.

(A community is only safe if its most vulnerable family is safe.)

Duterte released the video statement as Tropical Storm Kiyapo (international name: Nouli) moved closer to extreme Northern Luzon.

State weather bureau PAGASA said tropical cyclone wind signals have been raised in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northern portions of Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte. Signal number 1 was raised in multiple areas in Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and portions of Aurora province. — VDV, GMA News