To help the National Archives of the Philippines (NAP) prepare for earthquakes, storm surges, fires, and other calamities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Alejandro Dela Merced, Officer-in-Charge of Las Piñas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) shared tips on how to stay safe during a disaster on July 5, 2021, via ZOOM video conference. 

 

This is in connection with the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month this July, with the theme: “Tamang Pamamahala’t Kahandaan, Kaalaman at Pagtutulungan sa Sakuna at Pandemyaý Kalasag ng Bayan.” This year’s theme emphasizes that good governance and disaster preparedness always come together, and also highlights the importance of unity in overcoming the challenges brought by the pandemic. 

 

Mr. Dela Merced advised that all government agencies should implement the “Plan, Prepare, and Practice” method to ensure the safety of everyone when a natural disaster strikes. This method includes planning for disasters that are most likely to happen, conducting disaster drills, and establishing a contingency plan. 

 

Subsequently, the NAP will also conduct a virtual seminar in September that aims to help, and prepare government agencies, private sectors, and other institutions for disasters and calamities by adhering to different aspects such as preparation, prevention, response, and recovery. The NAP, as the agency mandated for records management, will conduct the Virtual Seminar on Records Counter Disaster Preparedness and Business Continuity that will involve lectures, workshops, and open forum discussions.