QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- Office of Civil Defense (OCD) officials will be developing resilient master plans to fortify the nation's defenses against potential disasters.

“We want to systematically plan everything for the success of our plans and projects. With the help of our stakeholders, we strive to attain our goals and objectives and deliver better civil defense and DRRM services to the public,” said Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, during a high-level meeting that delved into the agency's disaster risk reduction initiatives, long-term projects, and comprehensive resilience strategies.

Underscoring the need for a focused path forward, Usec. Nepomuceno advocated for streamlined program prioritization and the adoption of impactful strategies. His emphasis on clear direction aimed to optimize resource allocation and effort, ultimately bolstering the nation's resilience and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) capabilities.

Building national resilience against emergencies also took center stage in the discussions, with a focus on robust programs and preparedness measures. Key initiatives included:

• Strengthening DRRM teams: Expanding and equipping disaster response teams with cutting-edge technology and resources.
  
• Mobile command centers: Establishing a network of mobile hubs to facilitate swift and coordinated responses during crises.
  
• Cross-sectoral partnerships: Forging strong collaborations between government agencies, NGOs, and private entities to leverage diverse expertise.
  
• Specialized training institute: Inaugurating a dedicated center to train and upskill civil defense personnel for effective disaster mitigation and response.
  
• Advanced operational systems: Upgrading communication networks, data management tools, and early warning systems to enhance preparedness and response efficiency.

Assistant Secretary Hernando Caraig Jr., Asec. Rafaelito Bernardo Alejandro IV, Asec. Markus Lacanilao, Director Cesar Idio, Dir. Harold Cabreros, and other key officials from OCD contributed their expertise and insights to this crucial discourse, marking a concerted effort to align strategies and bolster the nation's disaster preparedness.

The OCD's commitment to fortifying the country's resilience against potential calamities stands resolute as it charts an ambitious course toward a more robust and agile disaster response framework. (OCD/PIA-NCR)