PTC RISE Program, through RISE Program for Safe Schools, successfully conducted two (2) Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Activities for Midway Colleges, in observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) this July 2026, in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, on July 17, 2026.
More than 400 educators, students, and leaders attended the Youth Disaster Preparedness Lecture with Master of Disaster (MOD) Board Game Session in the morning, attended by aspiring First- and Second-Year student leaders, and the Family Disaster Preparedness Lecture in the afternoon, attended by the Third-Year students.
July of every year is mandated as the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM), by the virtue of Executive Order no. 29 series of 2017, stating that “The NDRM shall be collectively observed by all Filipinos throughout the country through the conduct of activities relative to building disaster resilience covering the four thematic areas of disasters, namely, disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and disaster rehabilitation and recovery.”
Pursuant to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum No. 110, series of 2026, the NDRM 2026 theme is “NAGHAHANDA at KUMIKILOS tungo sa PANATAG na BAGONG PILIPINAS”, which underscores the importance of proactive preparedness and sustained action in building safe, adaptive, and disaster-resilient communities, reinforcing the shared responsibility of all sectors in achieving a secure and resilient Philippines.
AM Session:
Youth Disaster Preparedness Lecture with Master of Disaster (MOD) Board Game Session
The RISE Program for Safe Schools activity kicked off with the Resilience Talks: Youth Disaster Preparedness Lecture with MOD Board Game Session, held at the Midway Colleges Gymnasium.
Almost 100 first-year and second-year level students attended the program, as part of the Midway Colleges’ S.O.A.R Leadership Training Program. Launched by the Office of Student Affairs, S.O.A.R Leadership Training Program aims to capacitate and empower aspiring student leaders through different activities to develop their leadership skills and inculcate leadership values, helping them become the leader they aspire to be.
PTC Talent Acquisition Group Program Manager Hector Brizuela facilitated the lecture proper, where he emphasized the Filipino youth’s contribution and vital role in Disaster Risk Reduction. “For a long time, the Filipino youth have been seen as victims and vulnerable in the existing DRR frameworks we have. With the current technological advancement, and the technological inclination of the youth, they can do their part in DRR activities and tasks by harnessing their skills and honing their abilities in other DRR aspects that can be delegated to them.”
The attendees witnessed first-hand the debunking of DRR concepts and principles which were long-accepted to be true, and they were also engaged in appropriate and proper Disaster Preparedness measures to be observed during fires, earthquakes, typhoons, and flooding. They were also encouraged to join and be part of DRR volunteering activities so they can witness first-hand how DRR activities are facilitated and personally experience how they can help in appropriate DRR activities.
After the lecture, the students were elated to play the Master of Disaster (MOD) Board Game, facilitated by PTC Talent Acquisition Group Lead Program Officer Josh McCarver.
The MOD Board Game, developed by PTC RISE Program Resilience Partner Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), is an innovative and fun-packed board game that teaches players how to prepare for and respond to the most common hazards in the Philippines, and how to look after the welfare of their co-players, all while having fun.
The students were thrilled to play and learn about Disaster Preparedness and Response through the MOD Board Game, manifesting through their excited expressions and focused attention.
After the MOD Board Game Session, a team with a combined 19 Hero Tokens was hailed as the Masters of Disaster, where they effectively shared their experience and learnings in playing the board game. “The MOD Board Game is a good way to teach our families about Disaster Preparedness and Response, in a fun and interactive way. More than being safe, we learned how to look after each other, ensuring everyone knows about hazards, what to do before, during, and after disasters, for our safety, security, and well-being.”
PM Session:
Family Disaster Preparedness Lecture
The RISE Program for Safe Schools afternoon session kicked off with the Resilience Talks: Family Disaster Preparedness Lecture, held at the Midway Colleges Gymnasium.
More than 300 third-year-level students attended the session, as part of their service-learning requirement to capacitate and equip them with life experiences and skills which they can bring and utilize after they graduate from the institution.
Midway Colleges Office of Student Affairs Head Robie Mar Dayto expressed his appreciation for the PTC RISE Program in its commitment to advocate for Disaster Risk Reduction for Midway Colleges students. “Since 2024, we have been partners with PTC RISE Program with the intent of strengthening skills and knowledge on Disaster Risk Reduction, and we are more than happy to always have them here in our campus, as they help us in building capable, competent, and resilient students and graduates.”
PTC TAG Program Manager Hector Brizuela facilitated the lecture, where he emphasized the importance and relevance of disaster preparedness among families even before a hazard or disaster happens. “Preparation is crucial, especially for families to ensure their safety and survival in hazards and disasters. How a family prepares, plans, and responds to hazards and disasters sets the pace and tone for them to recover and rebuild, if they are significantly or totally affected.”
As part of the lecture, there are four (4) simple steps on how families can prepare for hazards and disasters:
- Know what will happen to your family and home
- Create a family disaster preparedness plan and checklist
- Practice your family’s disaster preparedness plan.
- Update and continuously practice your family’s disaster preparedness plan.
Special thanks to the Midway Colleges management, headed by President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sabino Czar Manglicmot, II, with the officials and personnel, for making this activity possible.
PTC RISE Program for Safe Schools is a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiative of The PTC Group and the maritime industry to help develop, improve, and strengthen the capacities and capabilities of educational institutions and schools by actively engaging educators, students, and stakeholders through training and technology.
We are one with Midway Colleges in advancing Disaster Risk Reduction in Maritime Higher Educational Institutions, as we move together in building resilient schools, sustainable future.
(Photo credits to Midway Colleges Office of Student Affairs)
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