Nationwide Youth Disaster Preparedness Brigade Launched
MANILA — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has launched a nationwide youth disaster preparedness brigade to train young Filipinos as certified volunteers in prevention, preparedness, and emergency response. This youth disaster preparedness brigade aims to build a resilient generation ready to face emergencies head-on.
During a ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, OCD officer-in-charge Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV formalized the initiative by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Sectoral Anti-Poverty (SAP) Leadership and Management Consultancy Services. The agreement establishes the Sagip-Buhay ng Mamamayan (SBM) Youth Brigade as a key player in community disaster resilience.
Empowering Youth for Community Resilience
“This memorandum of understanding marks the beginning of a shared mission to empower the youth in fortifying community resilience,” Alejandro emphasized. Local leaders noted that involving the youth directly strengthens local disaster response capabilities.
The program is designed to help local governments and disaster offices expand their reach by tapping into the energy and commitment of young volunteers. Officials reported that the OCD will lead training efforts alongside the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Sangguniang Kabataan, and local disaster risk reduction and management offices.
Comprehensive Training and Support
The youth disaster preparedness brigade will equip members with essential skills including hazard assessment, basic first aid, and community leadership. SAP, in partnership with organizations like the Philippine Red Cross and DAHON, Inc., will provide specialized training, maintain a nationwide volunteer database, and manage insurance coverage for brigade members.
Community members said certified volunteers will be integrated into local disaster risk reduction councils, gaining formal accreditation as community disaster volunteers. This integration ensures that the youth brigade becomes a sustainable resource for emergency response efforts.
Phased Rollout and Long-term Impact
Officials highlighted that the program will begin with a pilot phase in Metro Manila before expanding nationwide. By engaging the youth early and extensively, the OCD hopes to create a lasting pool of trained volunteers who can supplement overstretched disaster response units.
Sources reported that this initiative complements ongoing government and humanitarian efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness at the community level, where the impact of calamities is most direct and urgent.
Shared Responsibility Across Generations
The OCD stressed that involving young Filipinos ensures disaster readiness becomes “a shared responsibility across generations.” This approach fosters a culture of preparedness that will benefit communities for years to come.
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