A July 4, 2011 press release by the Department of Health


As member of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, the Department of Health (DOH) today announced the observance of July as “National Disaster Consciousness Month” with the theme, “Makialam. Makiisa. Sa Pagsugpo ng Panganib May Maitutulong Ka”, as the DOH noted that the country is experiencing increasing incidents of emergencies and disasters in greater extent and magnitude. Last year, the DOH attended to about nine major emergencies, mostly typhoons and flashfloods.


Health Secretary Enrique Ona said that vigilance, people’s readiness, and community preparedness will increase every individual’s chances of surviving any disaster.


The health chief disclosed that last year, the DOH distributed drugs, medicines, and medical supplies in the amount of approximately P26 million.


On July 4, simultaneous kick-off activities will be done at all DOH central office, regional offices, and hospitals to usher the celebration. On 7 July from 2:00PM to 4:00PM, Basic Life Support Demonstration sessions will be conducted simultaneously at 30 selected SM Malls nationwide in partnership with SM Supermalls, SM Foundation, DOH hospitals, and regional offices.


In Metro Manila, these sessions will be conducted at the SM Malls in North EDSA, Sta Mesa, Manila, San Lazaro, Megamall, Fairview, Novaliches, Valenzuela, Taytay, Marikina, Bicutan, Sucat, Southmall, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa.


The other participating SM malls include those in Clark, Baliuag, Bacoor, Dasmariñas, Rosario, Calamba, San Pablo, Sta Rosa, Lipa, Naga, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan, Davao, and Baguio.


On July 21, an earthquake simulation exercise will be conducted on four buildings of the DOH. The objective of the said exercise is to test the evacuation plans of the concerned buildings. The DOH central office simulation drill will be replicated in different DOH hospitals and regional offices.


On July 27, the Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) will launch different publications and web page at the Marriot Hotel. These publications, which will be given free to partner agencies and emergency managers, include Pocket Emergency Tool (4th edition), Documentation of Major Disasters, Responding to Health Emergencies Book 2, Safe Hospital, Beyond Data, Manual on SPEED, and the SPEED Interactive.


“Let us always be vigilant and continue to arm ourselves with information in order to be safe,” Ona concluded.


http://www.gov.ph/2011/07/04/july-is-national-disaster-consciousness-month/