On July 22, during National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM2025), A-PAD Philippines hosted an online session titled “Painted Walls, Practical Skills, Powerful Voices.” The session aimed to showcase the efforts of A-PAD Philippines volunteer members in disaster response and climate change countermeasures, and to strengthen their human resource network.

This event was planned by A-PAD’s registered volunteers and youth members from various regions. In the past, volunteers in each region have undertaken diverse activities, such as needs assessments during disasters, material support, and early recovery in affected areas. By having the volunteers themselves present these activities, they gained an opportunity to reflect on their past work and share insights across regions. 

Approximately 90 participants attended the session, including human resource network members from various parts of the Philippines, as well as international members from A-PAD Sri Lanka and A-PAD Bangladesh. After a brief icebreaker, presentations were given on activities from three regions in the Philippines. 

1. “Resilience in Strokes: Art that Speaks Readiness” Bicol Region Human Resource Network

This presentation showcased disaster awareness through vibrant wall paintings. These murals leverage high visibility to capture attention, especially near educational institutions, directly reaching students and youth with critical messages. Ideas included incorporating popular bird characters to engage younger audiences. The session effectively demonstrated wall painting as both a creative art form and a powerful, proactive disaster response tool. 

2. “Next Gen CHAMPS: A Strategy for Resilience” Eastern Visayas Region Human Resource Network

This presentation introduced the CHAMP project, designed to develop next-generation leaders and strengthen community resilience. The project operates on the vision that mastering disaster and climate change knowledge and response skills transforms individuals into “CHAMPs” (champions or heroes). To achieve this, CHAMP develops training and activity plans that actively involve younger generations and support regional initiatives. The primary focus is a grassroots, community-level approach, aligned with SDGs Goal 11 (“Sustainable Cities and Communities”) and Goal 13 (“Climate Action”).

3. “Hands-on Preparedness: When Every Second Counts” SOCCSKSARGEN Region Human Resource Network

This presentation introduced disaster awareness activities and workshops from two communities, focused on immediately actionable disaster response skills. These included preparing emergency supplies and applying first aid using triangular bandages. Given the increasing global frequency and risk of disasters, the goal is to enhance community-level disaster awareness through acquiring these readily executable skills.

After the presentations from the three regions, an exchange of opinions took place, providing an opportunity for participants to deepen their collaboration.

A-PAD Philippines will continue its efforts in disaster and climate change countermeasures at the regional level, and will also strive to promote broader inter-regional collaboration. Furthermore, events like this will be regularly planned to encourage local communities to learn about A-PAD’s activities and to get involved.