Philippines Hosts the Conduct of the National Multi-Hazard Hospital Preparedness for Emergencies (HOPE) Course

          The Government of the Philippines through the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) will host the conduct of the Multi-Hazard Hospital Preparedness for Emergencies (MH HOPE) Course on August 26-29, 2008 at the Best Western Hotel, Makati City. Twenty eight (28) participants will attend this course consisting of Hospital Directors, Chiefs of Hospitals and Emergency Department Staff from government and private hospitals in identified high risk areas of the country.

"Pag Alerto, Malayo sa Peligro" - NDCM 2008

Mindful of the recurrence of fortuitous events such as typhoon, flood, earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, tsunamis and drought, Presidential Executive Order No. 137 designates the month of July as National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) in order to heighten public awareness on the importance of disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness. All national government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, private sector, media, academe and other stakeholders working towards the promotion of social welfare, human security, and environmental protection are enjoined to participate in this month-long observance.

This year's theme, "Pag Alerto, Malayo sa Peligro" aptly encapsulates the connotation of proactively cushioning the blows of nature; to be on one’s guard is a step away from danger. “People are better-off if they know the risks they are facing. It is time to get our acts together by bringing this advocacy message home to our communities,” Defense Chief and Chairman of National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), Gilberto C. Teodoro points out.