The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) culminated the 2025 National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) with the awarding ceremonies of the 2nd Rescuelympics and the 3rd Dangal Bantayog ng Katatagan, held at Seda Hotel, Quezon City, on August 1, 2025. The event celebrated the exemplary performance, commitment, and contributions of individuals, local government units, and emergency response teams in advancing disaster preparedness and resilience across the country.
Serving as the Guest of Honor and representing the Secretary of National Defense is Department of National Defense Undersecretary for Civil Veterans and Reserve Affairs Pablo M. Lorenzo who delivered an inspiring message to the awardees and guests, underscoring the importance of collective action and national unity in facing disasters. “Ipagpatuloy nating kumilos, sama-sama, may layunin at may malalim na pananalig sa kakayanan ng bawat isang Pilipino sa harap ng anumang hamon. Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang isang mas ligtas, mas matatag at handang Pilipinas,” he said.
OCD Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV lauded the dedication of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) workers, advocates, and local champions. “We are here today not only to honor excellence but to recognize the countless hours, the sweat, and the silent sacrifices of our DRRM frontliners and partners. Each of them is a pillar in our nation’s collective strength, and their commitment inspires our continued pursuit of a more prepared and resilient Philippines.”
The Rescuelympics 2025 showcased the technical skills and readiness of emergency responders through competitive rescue simulations. Six regional teams participated, with the South Sector (local responders from Makati, Pasay, and Taguig) emerging as Champion and recipient of the Best Run Time Award. The East Sector (Pasig City responders) earned 1st Runner-Up and Best in Technical Rescue, while the West Sector, represented by the DRRM offices of Mandaluyong and Manila, secured 2nd Runner-Up and the Adaptability Award. Other recognitions included Region 3 or the Central Luzon as 3rd Runner-Up and Unyielding Spirit Awardee, North Sector as 4th Runner-Up and Tenacious Spirit Awardee, and CALABARZON as 5th Runner-Up and Energetic Awardee.
Meanwhile, the Dangal Bantayog ng Katatagan honored 4 exemplary individuals whose service has significantly contributed to strengthening disaster resilience in the country. The awardees were: Dir. Teresito C. Bacolcol – Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pagpapaunlad ng Kagaligan at Katatagan; Retired Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama – Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pagtataguyod ng Pribado at Pampublikong Katatagan; Senator Loren Legarda – Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pag-agapay sa Ligtas na Sambayanan; and Major Jose Sixto G. Dantes III – Dangal ng Pilipino sa Bayanihan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan.
The awarding ceremony served as the culminating activity of NDRM 2025, which carried the theme “KUMIKILOS Para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan, at Katatagan.” Throughout July, OCD led nationwide awareness campaigns, capacity-building initiatives, simulation exercises, and community engagements, reinforcing the importance of solidarity in disaster resilience efforts.
The Office of Civil Defense reaffirms its commitment to advancing an inclusive and empowered approach to disaster risk reduction and calls on every Filipino to take part in building a safer, stronger, and more prepared nation.
