When an earthquake, flood, or typhoon strikes, the clock starts ticking. In the first 72 hours, rescue teams may not reach your home, power and water lines can fail, and roads could close. A DOST Go Bag checklist 2025 lets you grab everything you need—food, water, light, first-aid, documents—in one lift-and-go pack.
Build yours now, keep it by the door, and practice quick exits with the family so no one freezes in a real emergency.
What is a Go-Bag?
A Go-Bag is a portable emergency kit packed for at least three days of self-reliance. DOST and NDRRMC guidelines highlight first-aid, survival tools, clean water, and copies of vital papers, all stashed in a sturdy, waterproof backpack.
DOST Go-Bag Checklist
| Category | Essentials (3-day minimum) |
| Food & Water | Ready-to-eat meals, 3 L water/day/person, purification tablets or LifeStraw |
| Medical | First-aid kit, personal meds plus prescriptions, 2 N95 masks, 70 % alcohol/hand sanitizer |
| Tools & Lighting | Multi-tool, flashlight, spare batteries, whistle, lighter/matches, duct tape, survival knife, 5 m rope, battery or crank radio |
| Hygiene | Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wet wipes, tissue, sanitary pads, small towel, trash bags |
| Clothes & Shelter | Three changes of clothes, raincoat, thermal blanket, sturdy shoes, work gloves, reusable hot/cold pack, hard hat |
| Identification | Photocopies of IDs, birth certificate, insurance and medical cards in a waterproof pouch |
| Communication | Mobile phone, charger or powerbank, AM/FM radio, notepad, pen, printed contact list |
| Cash & Finance | Small bills and coins, debit/credit cards |
| Families & Pets | Comfort toy, diapers, formula; 3-day pet food, water, leash, carrier |
Where to buy or build one
- Ready-made kits – Pharmacies, medical-supply shops, and online sellers list Go-Bags from ₱1,800 – ₱5,000 (check contents before purchase).
- DIY route – Grab items at supermarkets, hardware stores, The Para Shop Manila, Lazada, or Shopee to match your exact needs and budget.
- Bulk orders – Schools and LGUs often procure full sets at roughly ₱5,800 each via accredited suppliers.
Sample cost breakdown (single-person kit)
| Item | Est. Cost (₱) |
| Backpack | 300–800 |
| Food & Water | 400–800 |
| First-aid kit | 300–600 |
| Flashlight & batteries | 200–600 |
| Battery/crank radio | 350–800 |
| Hygiene items | 200–400 |
| Multi-tool | 300–750 |
| Powerbank | 400–900 |
| Emergency blanket | 120–350 |
| Masks & gloves | 100–200 |
| Hard hat | 100–250 |
| Waterproof document case | 100–200 |
| Misc. (whistle, tape) | 100–250 |
A solid adult Go-Bag lands around ₱2,500 – ₱5,000. A family pack with extras usually hits ₱5,000 – ₱7,000.
Government and expert tips (2025)
- Personalize each bag – Add infant formula, senior medicine organizers, or pet leashes as needed.
- Rotate supplies every six months – Swap expiring food, water, and meds; test batteries.
- Protect documents – Use zip bags or a dry-box.
- Run drills – Everyone should grab the bag and exit in under two minutes.
- Coordinate with neighbors – Plan joint evacuation routes or car pools.
- Include pets – Pack kibble, a collapsible bowl, and vaccine records.
- Follow evacuation orders fast – Switch off breakers, secure the house, and leave.
Quick reference must-haves
Water (1 gallon/day), food, first-aid kit, flashlight, radio, batteries, powerbank, masks, gloves, whistle, multi-tool, duct tape, ID copies, cash, change of clothes, rain gear, blanket, sturdy shoes, hygiene items, personal meds, infant/senior/pet needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my Go-Bag?
Check everything twice yearly—before the rainy and dry seasons.
Does bottled water expire?
Water stays safe, but plastic degrades. Replace unopened bottles every two years.
Can I use a school backpack?
Any tough, waterproof bag works. Aim for padded straps and at least 30 L capacity.
Is a powerbank enough for my phone?
Choose 10,000 mAh or higher and top it up monthly.
What Filipinos say about packing a Go-Bag
“Might add a utility knife, rope, duct tape, water purifying tablets, water bladder, and ferro rods.” —Cablegore, r/Philippines Reddit
“As an EDC enthusiast, yes! Don’t forget a knife and posporo for fire-starting.” —Jon_Irenicus1, r/Philippines Reddit
“Water in an unopened bottle should be fine for about two years.” —cardboardbuddy, r/Philippines Reddit
Their common theme: pack light but never skip water treatment, a sharp blade, and reliable light.
Video: DISASTER WAIS SERIES Ep01 – Go Bag
Monte from the Red Cross walked viewers through a ready-to-buy Go Bag and showed how he upgraded it for real-life emergencies.
He pulled out water packets, first aid gear, and a flashlight, then added comfort snacks because familiar tastes calm nerves.
Instead of the usual three-day advice, he urged families to stock supplies for two full weeks and to refresh the bag every six months.
He also demonstrated a handy wrench for shutting off gas and water lines and reminded everyone to name an out-of-area contact in case local phones go silent.
Final thoughts
A well-stocked DOST Go Bag checklist 2025 takes one weekend to build and can save your life for the next three days. Set a reminder every six months to refresh supplies, teach loved ones where the bag sits, and keep practicing those two-minute drills. Preparedness is peace of mind you can carry on your back.