“The resiliency of one is the resiliency of all" - Gov. Edduba stresses collective action for improved measures against disasters

Tabuk City, Kalinga – During the Cordillera Resiliency Caravan held in Kalinga on April 23, Governor James Edduba emphasized that building a disaster-ready province requires communities to work hand in hand.

Edduba made the statement in the presence of Harold Cabreros, Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC); Albert Mogol, Director of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Cordillera (RDRRMC); along with local officials and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) stakeholders.

In his message, Edduba described the caravan as a timely initiative to enhance Kalinga’s capacity to respond to recurring natural hazards.

He noted that the activity serves as a platform not only for discussion but also for learning and strengthening measures against disasters that may occur in the province.

“On behalf of the provincial government of Kalinga, I welcome all our partners, stakeholders, and participants to this important gathering—the Cordillera Resiliency Caravan. This initiative is timely and significant for our province as we continue to strengthen our capacity to withstand disasters and hazards that threaten our communities,” Edduba said.

Emphasizing that resilience is shared, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) chairperson underscored that preparedness is a collective responsibility, noting that every individual plays a role in ensuring the safety of the province during disasters.

“Kalinga faces various challenges and calamities that affect our daily lives. The caravan provides us the opportunity to come together, learn, and build stronger systems of preparedness and response. Truly, the resiliency of one is the resiliency of all,” he added.

Edduba’s statement was echoed by Cabreros, who reiterated that disaster preparedness must be embraced by everyone—not only government authorities.

“When people know what to do, and how and when to act, they become true partners in building safer communities. Ibig sabihin, hindi lang ang mga DRRM workers or local officials kundi every individual ay alam na kung ano ang gagawin in times of disaster—before, during, and after. Ditoy po ti kayat tayo nga agkaroon ti culture of resilience,” Cabreros said.

“When people are equipped with the right knowledge and skills, they become more confident, more prepared, and more capable of facing challenges. Ultimately, knowledge is power in DRRM, and that knowledge can save lives,” he added.

Held at the Davidson Hotel in Bulanao, Tabuk City, the Cordillera Resiliency Caravan was conducted as part of the efforts of the Office of Civil Defense Philippines (OCD) to strengthen disaster preparedness at the regional, provincial, and municipal/city levels.