LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES — The PTC Group, through the PTC RISE Program for Safe Schools (RPSS), brought Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) closer to the PHINMA Education Laguna Network through a series of campus-based activities held at PHINMA Union College of Laguna (UCL) in Santa Cruz on September 15 to 16, 2026, and PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna (RCL) in Calamba City on September 17 to 18, 2026.
Across the two campuses, more than 1,200 National Service Training Program (NSTP) students joined the RPSS Citizen Training Program on Youth Disaster Preparedness, gaining practical insights on how Filipino youth can help build disaster resilience at home, in school, and within their wider communities.
The initiative also gathered more than 100 teaching and non-teaching personnel and student leaders for the RPSS Volunteer Network Establishment, where participants committed to advancing disaster preparedness and response in their campuses and homes. RISE Volunteers further deepened their learning through the Master of Disaster (MOD) Board Game Session, an interactive exercise on hazard and disaster preparedness and response.
The PTC RISE Program for Safe Schools is a sustainable, school-based DRR initiative that strengthens the capacities of educators, students, and stakeholders. Rooted in the maritime industry’s culture of safety and preparedness, the program promotes campus-wide readiness to help protect communities from hazards and disasters.
DRR Collaboration at Work with PHINMA Union College of Laguna
In hazard-prone Santa Cruz, Laguna, PHINMA Union College of Laguna (UCL) placed disaster preparedness and response at the center of the conversation, recognizing its importance to the safety and readiness of the campus community.
During the RPSS Resilient Talks: Citizen Training Program on Youth Disaster Preparedness, many NSTP students shared how hazards already shape daily life in their communities, from knee- to waist-deep flooding to even deeper flood levels experienced by some at home.
“Disaster preparedness must become a norm for Filipino families regularly exposed to hazards,” said PTC-TAG Program Manager Hector Brizuela, encouraging students to bring DRR conversations home by sharing resources and preparedness practices with their families.
This continuing effort builds on PHINMA UCL’s work to strengthen its DRR capacity through free training facilitated by the Municipal Government of Santa Cruz. “Working with the PTC Group and the LGU will help us keep the campus safe and secure,” said CSDL Coordinator Kenn Dagsindal.
DRR as a Priority and Focus at PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna
The conversation continued in Calamba City, where PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna (RCL) focused on the realities of climate-related hazards, including sudden rainstorms and intense thunderstorms experienced during Habagat.
At the RPSS Resilient Talks, many NSTP students acknowledged the need to strengthen their DRR knowledge and capacity, particularly in preparing for sudden hazards such as earthquakes.
“Take part in DRR education and training, understand your capacities, improve what you know, and share DRR knowledge and skills with your families before, during, and after hazards and disasters,” Brizuela told the students.
As an active DRR collaborator of the PTC RISE Program, PHINMA RCL reinforced the role of students as partners in building safer communities. “Be service-oriented and responsible citizens who understand disaster preparedness and response to improve survival and recovery,” CAS Dean Prof. Michel Angelo Galos reminded NSTP students.
Rekindling DRR Volunteerism with PHINMA Education Laguna Network Community
Beyond the learning sessions, the initiative underscored that lasting DRR engagement requires a core volunteer group that can sustain preparedness efforts and champion disaster resilience within schools. “Schools need a core group of volunteers who can champion disaster resilience beyond lectures and trainings,” Brizuela said.
Through the RPSS Volunteer Network Establishment, participating schools began organizing DRR volunteer groups that will support preparedness training and response initiatives.
Each campus is set to organize 30 to 50 RISE Volunteers who will receive DRR training, share knowledge with families and school communities, and support emergency response or humanitarian assistance when needed. PHINMA RCL identified 48 inaugural RISE Volunteers, while PHINMA UCL organized 45 RISE Volunteers from among teaching and non-teaching personnel and student leaders.
To sustain this momentum, PTC RISE will conduct DRR training sessions to equip volunteers to share DRR knowledge and skills. RSE Foundation Inc., through its Rapid Relief and Recovery (R3) Program, will also serve as a platform for relief pack, hot meal, and hygiene kit distribution in affected communities.
The PTC Group extends its appreciation to the PHINMA Education Laguna Network, led by COO Catherine Garcia, together with PHINMA RCL Assistant COO Jessie Ian Paragas, PHINMA UCL Assistant COO Gloria Tutanes, GSD Head Lemuel Basileyo, CSDL Director Justine Troi Castillo, CAS Dean Prof. Michel Angelo Galos, and TEE Manager Jhunelynn F. Napa, for supporting the activities and helping advance a culture of preparedness across the Laguna network.
As the activities closed, Josh McCarver, Lead Program Officer of the PTC RISE Program, called on schools, families, and communities to keep moving together toward a safer future. “Building resilient schools begins with people who are ready to learn, lead, and act,” McCarver said. “We invite more partners, educators, students, and volunteers to join us in strengthening disaster preparedness and creating safer communities for all.”
For more details about the PTC RISE Program, you may reach out to RISE Lead Program Officer Josh McCarver at [email protected] or RISE Program Manager Hex Brizuela at [email protected]
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