When disaster strikes, often times, the poor suffers worse. Poverty, after all, is both a driver and consequence of disasters. Such susceptibility has been one, if not the main driving force of the Citizens’ Disaster Response Center. A non-government organization that has dedicated more than three decades of unwavering service in enabling and strengthening the capacities of vulnerable sectors in The Philippines.
CDRC, who is celebrating its 35th anniversary today at the Institute of Biology Auditorium, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City is also one of iVolunteer Philippines strongest partners of in promoting advocacy such as Disaster Preparedness, Environment and Poverty Alleviation. Causes which you can also support in the upcoming BayaniRun 2019. Present on this monumental day for CDRC is Abigail Reyes, iVolunteer Philippines’ Associate Director for Community Relations and Partnerships.
On top of empowering communities through various training and seminars, CDRC have also been actively tapping on the youth sector in realizing their quest to make disaster risk management and preparedness become more accessible for all. In fact, we had a quick run-in with CDRC at the recently concluded Filipino Youth Volunteer Convention where we we had a booth promoting volunteerism among students and young professionals. Here, CDRC took the time to reconnect with partners such as iVolunteer Philippines and Green Peace, along with other youth-led organizations.
CDRC’s annual project Apoy, Bagyo, Kalamidad: Dibuhong Pambata (ABKD), for example, has been more than just an interactive opportunity for children to show their artistic talents and creativity. In fact, since 1996, it’s been a venue for kids and students to engage in creating and generating a culture of disaster preparedness, especially among vulnerable communities.
Importance of disaster preparedness
In 2013, CDRC was among the first one to respond during the aftermath of super typhoon”Yolanda” by giving immediate relief assistance to the survivors through food packs and shelter kits. Which isn’t surprising since the organization was founded from a relief campaign which provided support for the victims of the “Mayon Volcano eruption” and six devastating typhoons in 1984.
Beyond these callbacks, however, the 35th anniversary of CDRC focused more on what else can be done to improve disaster preparedness in the country. Following CDRC Executive Director, Ms. Kim Leduna’s keynote address, speakers from Mapanas MPDO, DIRECT, CREST, CDRRMC and other organizations and LGUs shared their best-practices and Disaster Risk Reduction Mitigation plans to each other and those in attendance.
Through its national office, regional centers, and hundreds of disaster preparedness committees, and together with various partner organizations and overseas partners, CDRC continues to build communities resilient to disasters nationwide. In its 35 years, CDRC have responded to minor disasters and major emergencies such as the 1984 and 2001 Mt. Mayon eruption, the 1990 Luzon earthquake, the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo disaster, the 1995 super typhoon Rosing (Angela), the 2000 Payatas garbage avalanche, the 2006 Guinsaugon landslide, the 2006 typhoon Reming (Durian), the 2008 typhoon Frank (Fengshen), the 2009 tphoon Ondoy (Ketsana), the 2011 typhoon Sendong (Washi), the 2012 Pablo (Bopha), the 2013 typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), the 2013 Bohol Earthquake, and the long-running armed conflict in Mindanao.
About CDRC
Citizens’ Disaster Response Center (CDRC) is a non-government organization that pioneered and continues to promote community-based disaster management in the Philippines. CDRC operates nationwide through a network of regional centers affiliated with the Citizens’ Disaster Response Network and through people’s organizations.
Organized in 1984, CDRC focuses its assistance to the most affected, least served and most vulnerable sectors of the population through preparedness and mitigation, emergency relief, and rehabilitation programs.
For CDRC volunteer opportunities, you may register on our website HERE.
About iVolunteer Philippines
iVolunteer Philippines is the country’s most trusted volunteering platform that is made by volunteers for volunteers. Our website and social media channels are dedicated to helping nonprofits and volunteers find the perfect match, and in making sure that every Filipino who are looking to contribute will find a home through us or our partners. We are a group of passionate individuals working towards one dream: Every Filipino volunteering towards nation building.
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