CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – On July 29, 2022, the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army, being the lead agency for Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) Operations Cluster of the Regional Risk Reduction and Management Council 10 (RRRMC-10), joined the rescue MARCH (Mass Assembly for Rescue and Care for Humanity) to celebrate the National Disaster Resilience Month 2022, held at Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center, Don Apolinar Velez St, Cagayan de Oro City, with the theme “Sambayanang Pilipino, Nagkakaisa tungo sa Katatagan at Maunlad na Kinabukasan”.
Director Antonio B. Sugarol of RDRRMC 10 and Col. Michele B. Anayron Jr., the Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs of 4ID, graced the occasion, attended by the Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operation Group 10 (TOG 10), the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health–Health Emergency Management Staff, Department of Interior and Local Government, Office of Civil Defense, and the Philippine Red Cross.
Showcased were the simulated disaster response augmentation operations which demonstrated the participants’ capability and preparedness while providing immediate assistance to disaster victims. Also highlighted was the fast, responsive and resolute reaction by the line government agencies in case of disasters and calamities.
In his message, Col Anayron Jr stated that the annual observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month emphasizes the need for collaboration to effectively address climate change and disaster risk reduction and management.
Meanwhile, MGen. Wilbur C Mamawag, Commander of 4ID, underscored the significance of the simulation, which ran scenario-based exercises to rehearse critical preparedness actions. “We laud RDRRMC 10 and everyone’s enthusiasm for this rescue “MARCH”. We are assured that when the situations call for it, our SRR teams will be ready and capable. We cannot control disaster, but we can prepare our readiness to respond to it.” MGen Mamawag said.
