Disaster Risk Reduction Program

Being situated in the Pacific, the Philippines is battered by an average of 20 cyclones a year, not to mention the frequent flooding that is worsened each year by global warming and rising sea levels. We also have many active volcanoes nationwide that routinely act up.

Globally, there is an active movement among public and private sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But on the national and local level, there is an urgent need to reduce existing levels of risk and avoid creating new risk through Disaster Risk Reduction programs.

Under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the government aims to reduce vulnerability of individuals and families to both natural and man-made hazards. To support this initiative, PMI intends to strengthen disaster preparedness among children and other vulnerable groups in highly disaster-prone communities.

Disaster-Ready Community Volunteer Program

In partnership with Philippine Red Cross, PMI will help mainstream the establishment of Red Cross 143 volunteers in disaster-prone communities.

Red Cross 143 is a flagship volunteer program that recruits and trains 44 volunteers in every barangay – one leader and 43 members – to serve as humanitarian arms of the Red Cross on the ground, especially in times of disasters. They will also serve as walking blood donors to ensure adequate supply of safe and quality blood anytime the need arises.

3-day training will be conducted by Red Cross covering the following topics: 1) Disaster Preparedness; 2) Health; 3) Promotion of Blood Donation; 4) Youth; 5) First Aid; 6) Social Welfare; and 7) General, For National Society Development.

Safe Community Program

Consists of age-appropriate DRR trainings for vulnerable groups such as children, women and elderly in crisis centers.

Schools/Communities in areas with high vulnerability to disasters

Institutions or resettlement areas housing vulnerable children, women and elderly