Pampanga — The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has transformed a section of Robinsons Starmills into an interactive hub for preparedness, marking the start of National Disaster Resilience Month 2026. The Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign Booth runs from July 1 to 3, offering free materials and face‑to‑face learning for Fernandinos.
A One‑Stop Shop for Preparedness
Shoppers and passersby are greeted not by sales pitches but by rescue officers eager to share life‑saving knowledge. The booth distributes free IEC kits containing evacuation maps, emergency contact cards, and family preparedness guides. Interactive demonstrations show how to assemble a go‑bag, perform basic first aid, and interpret hazard warnings. Each visitor leaves with a tangible plan for their household.
The setup is intentionally welcoming, designed to attract families who might not attend a formal seminar. Staff members answer questions in both English and Kapampangan, making sure no one is left out of the conversation. Parents watch their children try on mini hard hats and practice the “duck, cover, and hold” drill. The booth turns a routine mall visit into a potentially life‑saving experience.
Beyond the Booth: A Month of Action
The Robinsons Starmills booth is just the opening act of San Fernando’s month‑long resilience campaign. Later this month, the city will hold SAFRUN, a disaster preparedness run that merges physical fitness with public safety education. Participants will run through simulated emergency checkpoints, testing their readiness while building community spirit.
The CDRRMO will also mount an Emergency Response Capability Static Display, showcasing rescue vehicles, medical equipment, and communication tools. This exhibit gives residents an up‑close look at the resources available when disaster strikes. Combined with orientation seminars for volunteers and barangay officials, the city is building a network of trained responders at every level.
A Theme That Calls for Collective Action
This year’s national theme, “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” emphasizes proactive and collective effort. San Fernando’s approach perfectly mirrors this message by bringing preparedness directly into a popular mall, meeting people where they already gather. The strategy acknowledges that resilience cannot be confined to government offices or school auditoriums.
The city has also embraced a unique cultural rallying cry through its official DRRM theme song, “Sama‑Sama, o Fernandino!” Composed by students from Pampanga High School, the song celebrates the community’s strength, wisdom, and courage. It plays on local radio stations and during school assemblies, embedding the message of preparedness in daily life. The anthem transforms disaster readiness from a technical topic into a shared emotional commitment.
How You Can Participate
Residents are encouraged to visit the booth before it concludes on July 3. The CDRRMO team is available throughout mall hours, and all materials are free of charge. For those who cannot attend, the city maintains 24/7 emergency hotlines and regularly posts safety tips on its official social media pages. Preparedness is not a one‑time event but a habit that Fernandinos are learning to practice every day.
