Disaster volunteers are unsung heroes

Disaster volunteers are unsung heroes | Daily Tribune

As floods and heavy rains continue to affect many parts of the country — triggered by the enhanced southwest monsoon and typhoons “Crising,” “Dante,” and “Emong” — community disaster volunteers remain on the frontlines: unrecognized, unpaid and unwavering.

These brave men and women are more than just helpers. They are force multipliers — risking their lives to rescue stranded families, deliver relief goods, provide first aid, and offer comfort inside crowded evacuation centers. They embody what it means to serve para sa kapwa at bayan — for others, and for the country.

In Parañaque City, volunteers from the Moonwalk Fire Rescue Group joined forces with the city’s DRRMO to clear a fallen tree that had damaged a house — removing a serious hazard to nearby residents.

In San Antonio, Zambales, local DRRMO volunteers battled difficult conditions to carry out rescue operations for flood-hit families.

In Laguna, the Bagong Bayani Rescue Volunteers continue to lead relief efforts across the cities of San Pedro, Sta. Rosa, Biñan and Cabuyao.

Under Republic Act 10121, local governments are mandated to form their own DRRM Offices and Barangay DRRM Committees. These small but determined teams often carry the full weight of disaster response at the community level. And behind them stand countless volunteers — reaching far-flung areas, acting faster than systems can, and filling critical gaps when every second counts.

As vice chair for Disaster Preparedness, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) supports LGUs through policy direction, technical guidance and training — making sure local teams are ready when the next disaster strikes.

But even with all the government’s efforts, it’s the bayanihan spirit of ordinary Filipinos that keeps the nation moving forward. The DILG continues to promote volunteerism in its programs, recognizing that real resilience comes not just from blueprints and protocols, but from people willing to go above and beyond for others.

“Let’s honor these selfless citizens. Let’s support and join our local volunteer groups. Together, we can build a stronger, safer Bagong Pilipinas — one community at a time,” the DILG said.

“In the middle of a storm, the true strength of the Filipino isn’t measured by structures, but by heart,” it added.