27/01/2026
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐑𝐌𝐂 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐦 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
A symposium on Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction Management was conducted for the college department of Rizal Memorial Colleges, Tagum Campus, with the theme “Prepared Today, Safe Tomorrow: Building Resilient Students,” to strengthen students’ awareness and readiness in responding to disasters through informed and practical approaches on January 19, 2026, at the Audio-Visual Room (AVR).
The program formally opened with opening remarks delivered by Prof. Jeah Vera S. Taboada, RCrim, MMCJ, setting the tone for the importance of disaster resilience within the academic community.
Moreover, the symposium was also graced by the presence of the Dean of the College, Dr. Maria Lalaine P. Chieng, as well as faculty members Prof. Arlyn Reyes, MPT, MAED, and Prof. Maria Carolina Lee-Nuñeza, MAIC, who showed their support for the initiative.
Furthermore, serving as resource speakers were Noviejane M. Rojas, LPT, Local DRRM Officer III, and Rudnie D. Ariate, Local DRRM Officer I, from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), who provided comprehensive discussions on various types of disasters, preparedness strategies, and the operational processes of their office.
For emergencies and immediate assistance, individuals may contact the PDRRMO hotlines: GLOBE/TM – 911 or 112 and SMART – 0908 813 2007.
Additionally, the speakers further engaged the participants through an extensive open forum, where they addressed questions raised by students with clarity and depth.
Finally, the program concluded with closing remarks from the Head of the Office of Student Services and Affairs (OSSA), Sarah C. Gemongala, MAP-CP, who emphasized the role of education in building safer and more resilient communities and expressed her appreciation to the organizers, speakers, and participants for the success of the symposium.
The symposium was mainly facilitated by students from the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program, ensuring smooth coordination throughout the event.
Notably, the recent earthquake activity that affected several areas also prompted the department of this initiative, emphasizing the necessity of increased awareness, readiness, and group responsibility in guaranteeing the safety and resilience of the academic community.
In conclusion, through this symposium, RMC Tagum reaffirmed its dedication to providing students with knowledge and preparedness skills.
Stay safe and prepared, Rizalians!
✒️: Bless A. Cacayorin
📸: Gwendolyn Tiongson, Aljane Mangitngit