CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Central Luzon has made significant strides in disaster readiness and response efforts, showcasing its seven-decade commitment to enhancing community safety, preparedness, and resilience.
During the 13th episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency, OCD Regional Director Amador Corpus highlighted the agency’s commitment to capability building and training, which he described as the “cornerstone” of their disaster preparedness strategy.
“In 2023 alone, we have trained 5,000 individuals across the region, enhancing their ability to conduct rapid assessments, emergency response, and disaster risk reduction and management planning,” he reported.
Over the years, OCD Central Luzon has conducted numerous training programs aimed at equipping local government units (LGUs), community leaders, and volunteers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage and respond to disasters.
Corpus emphasized that these efforts are not just about numbers but also about impact.
“Our small wins include the introduction of specialized training modules tailored for different community needs, leading to more localized and effective disaster management,” he added.
At the heart of these capacity-building efforts is the Information, Education, and Communication campaign, particularly through the Disaster Information for Nationwide Awareness project, or Project DINA.
Through this initiative, thousands of citizens have been reached, raising awareness and equipping them with essential knowledge to prepare for and respond to disasters.
“From community seminars to educational materials, we are fostering a culture of preparedness,” Corpus noted.
One of the OCD’s flagship activities, the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, has seen growing participation across the region.
Conducted quarterly, the drill engages schools, offices, and communities in life-saving exercises to prepare for seismic events.
“Our region has seen a growing participation rate with schools, offices, and communities actively engaging in these life-saving exercises,” he said, lauding the public’s increasing involvement.
The true test of preparedness, according to Corpus, is the agency’s ability to respond swiftly and efficiently when disaster strikes.
“We have enhanced our response capabilities by integrating new technologies, including mobile command and control vehicles, rescue quadcopter drones for rapid damage assessment, and real-time communication systems to streamline operations. Additionally, we maintain the Emergency Operation Center in a state of readiness for rapid deployment,” he said.
In collaboration with LGUs and other stakeholders, the agency has made significant strides in developing comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management plans.
These planning initiatives have successfully integrated disaster risk reduction into local development plans across all provinces, cities, and municipalities in the region.
“As the secretariat of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the agency plays a vital role in coordinating efforts across the region. Our work ensures that council directives are carried out efficiently, fostering collaboration and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in their goals,” Corpus noted.
For those seeking assistance or wishing to partner with the agency, the public may contact the OCD Central Luzon hotlines at 045-455-0033, 0917-547-2805, or 0939-939-305. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
