BAGUIO CITY, July 1 -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong said discipline and environmental responsibility are critical to disaster resilience, as he urged residents to practice proper waste management to help reduce flooding and other risks.

Speaking during the National Disaster Resilience Month kickoff on Wednesday, Magalong said individual behavior significantly affects disaster preparedness and response.

He cited improper waste disposal, including littering and the discharge of septic waste into canals during heavy rains, as practices that worsen flooding and environmental degradation.

"These are traits of animals, and we are humans," he said in an interview, referring to irresponsible waste disposal.

Magalong said discipline must be instil...