The National Resilience Council (NRC), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Cagayan through its SHIELD Programme, facilitated a Round Table Discussion on June 10, 2026, at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to support the establishment of SAMBAYANIHAN (Sama Samang Samahan para sa Isang Matatag na Bayan).

The discussion explored how SAMBAYANIHAN can strengthen and enhance existing resilience governance mechanisms in the province. Participants examined whether the initiative should serve as an enhancement to the current Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) structure or function as a separate platform to advance long-term resilience strategies and sustainability efforts.

During the discussion, stakeholder groups presented their recommendations, leading to a shared understanding that SAMBAYANIHAN should be integrated within the existing PDRRMC structure rather than established as a separate mechanism. Conversations focused on defining the roles and responsibilities of government offices and partner sectors while upholding the whole of society approach introduced by the NRC as a core principle of SAMBAYANIHAN.

Through SAMBAYANIHAN, stakeholders aim to strengthen local institutions and empower communities to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and climate-related risks. Participants emphasized that resilience building is a shared responsibility and collective commitment that requires the active participation of all sectors.

Further workshops and planning sessions will be conducted to advance the implementation of resilience initiatives and strengthen the council’s efforts under the SHIELD Programme.

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