As heavy rains and flooding continue to affect many parts of the country due to the enhanced Southwest Monsoon and Typhoons Crising, Dante, and Emong, community disaster volunteers stand firm—serving without recognition, without compensation, and without hesitation.

These men and women are not just helpers; they are force multipliers who put their lives on the line to rescue families, deliver aid, provide first aid, and bring comfort in evacuation centers. They embody what it truly means to serve para sa kapwa at bayan.

In Parañaque City, the Moonwalk Fire Rescue Volunteer Group assisted the City DRRMO in clearing a fallen tree that had damaged a home—preventing further danger to nearby residents.
In San Antonio, Zambales, DRRMO volunteers pushed through harsh conditions to conduct rescue operations for affected families.
In Laguna, the Bagong Bayani Rescue Volunteers continue to lead relief efforts in San Pedro, Sta. Rosa, Biñan, and Cabuyao.

Under Republic Act No. 10121, LGUs are required to establish Local DRRM Offices and Barangay DRRM Committees. These small but dedicated teams carry the weight of disaster preparedness and response in their localities. To support them, volunteers serve as the backbone of community-based disaster risk reduction—filling gaps, reaching remote areas, and responding faster than any system can.

As Vice Chair for Disaster Preparedness, the DILG provides critical support to LGUs through policies, technical guidance, and capacity-building programs—ensuring that local response teams are ready when it matters most.

But beyond government action, it is the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino that moves us forward. The DILG continues to champion volunteerism across its programs, recognizing that genuine resilience comes not just from plans or protocols, but from ordinary people doing extraordinary work for others.

Let us honor these selfless citizens. Let us support and join local volunteer groups. Together, we build a stronger, safer Bagong Pilipinas – one community at a time.

Sa gitna ng unos, ang lakas ng Pilipino ay hindi nasusukat sa istruktura, kundi sa puso.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/PUSO-PARA-SA-KAPWA-AT-BAYAN-DISASTER-VOLUNTEERS-AT-THE-FRONTLINES-OF-SERVICE/NC-2025-1118