When Typhoon Tino and Typhoon Verbena swept across Negros, they left more than damaged homes and flooded communities—they left behind a profound reminder: preparedness saves lives. Even weeks after the storms had passed, coastal families in Bacolod City continued to feel their impact. It is in moments like these that service organizations are called not only to respond, but to empower.
With this mission, the Rotaract Club of Metro Bacolod launched “Paghanda Kag Paglikaw – Disaster Risk Management Seminar”, in partnership with PHENVAND (Protect Humanity, Environment Against Natural Disaster), a dedicated local government initiative focused on building resilient communities. Held in Barangay 1, Bacolod City—a community located close to the coastline and highly vulnerable to storm surges—the seminar aimed to turn fear into readiness and uncertainty into confidence.
Guided by Sir JP Lucasan of PHENVAND, residents received essential training on disaster risk reduction, early evacuation cues, hazard identification, and community-led preparedness. The session also included basic first aid training, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to assist their families and neighbors during emergencies—from treating minor wounds to stabilizing victims while waiting for responders.
Beyond skills and procedures, this project carried a deeper message: preparedness is empowerment. By investing in community-based learning, Rotaract reaffirmed that resilience begins not with resources, but with awareness, unity, and the willingness to learn.
Paghanda Kag Paglikaw stands as a testament to the strength of Negrenses—a reminder that even after the strongest storms, our communities rise, rebuild, and prepare to protect one another.
