CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) successfully wrapped up its three‑day Alerto Fernandino Emergency Response Capability Static Display and Disaster Preparedness Orientation on July 3, 2026, at Robinsons Starmills Pampanga. The event turned a popular mall into an interactive classroom for safety and resilience.
A Showcase of Readiness
Fire trucks, rescue boats, ambulances, and advanced communication equipment lined the mall concourse, giving residents a rare up‑close look at the city’s frontline resources. Personnel demonstrated how each tool is used during earthquakes, floods, and fire emergencies. Children and adults alike climbed aboard vehicles and asked questions, turning curiosity into knowledge.
The static display was not just an exhibit; it served as a confidence‑building exercise for the community. By seeing the equipment and meeting the responders who operate them, residents gained peace of mind knowing their city is prepared. The three‑day schedule allowed a wide cross‑section of shoppers and passersby to participate.
Engaging the Public Through Education
Beyond the hardware, the CDRRMO conducted orientation sessions that taught practical skills such as basic first aid, proper evacuation procedures, and how to assemble an emergency go‑bag. Participants received information pamphlets they could take home. The hands‑on approach made complex protocols accessible to non‑experts.
DRRM Officer and Acting City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Raymond Del Rosario emphasized that awareness is the first line of defense. He noted that the city deliberately chose a high‑traffic commercial venue to reach a broader audience. This strategy ensures that preparedness messages extend beyond barangay halls and into everyday spaces.
Leadership and Legislative Support
The opening day was attended by City Councilor Mark Joseph Carreon, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness. Councilor Elmer Bengco, chair of the Committee on Peace and Order, also joined the event. Their presence underscored the city council’s unified commitment to safety and resilience.
Both officials praised the proactive stance of Mayor Vilma Balle‑Caluag, whose administration continuously upgrades response equipment and invests in personnel training. They noted that the city’s disaster management budget has been allocated to ensure systems remain current with evolving risks. The event was a tangible demonstration of that investment.
Strengthening Partnerships for Resilience
The CDRRMO mounted the event with crucial support from national agencies. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) provided technical expertise on earthquake and tsunami hazards. The Office of Civil Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government also contributed resources and guidance.
Del Rosario expressed gratitude to these partner agencies, acknowledging that disaster resilience requires a whole‑of‑society approach. The collaboration ensures that the city’s efforts are aligned with national standards and that best practices are shared across levels of government. These partnerships were visibly at work during the static display.
A Month‑Long Commitment to Safety
The activity officially kicked off San Fernando’s observance of National Disaster Resilience Month this July. The city has lined up additional activities throughout the month, including simulation drills and community‑based training sessions. The goal is to institutionalize a culture of preparedness among all Fernandinos.
As the final day concluded, organizers expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the public’s engagement. The Alerto Fernandino program will continue to bring safety education to barangays, schools, and workplaces. The message was clear: resilience is built one informed citizen at a time.
