MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (PIA) — Mambajao Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo addressed the community at the Mambajao Municipal Grounds, unveiling a series of new disaster response technologies aimed at significantly enhancing the municipality’s preparedness and resilience on July 5.
“By being prepared and mitigating the impact of any disaster, resulting in displacements of people and pressures on strained resources, we have also eliminated exposures to potential risks of violence,” Romualdo said. He praised the efforts of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) office, led by Raquel Ranara, for their critical role in these advancements.
A highlight of the address was the operational status of the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MOCOV), which Mambajao received last year. This state-of-the-art vehicle, the only one of its kind in Mindanao, is crucial for enhancing the municipality’s disaster response capabilities, coordination, and decision-making processes. The Mambajao Response 1855 team, rigorously trained, won the championship in the first MOCOV Challenge in Cauayan City, Isabela, last April.
Romualdo also announced the installation of an automated rain gauge at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Binunsaran, and automated water level monitoring at Lumad Creek in Poblacion. By the end of the year, the Department of Science and Technology’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology initiative will fully operationalize these early warning systems.
“While we expect this project to be running before the end of the year, we will also conduct further execution studies, hands-on simulations, and immersions in places where this technology is already working,” Romualdo said.
In addition to these technological advancements, the local government has secured approval for the procurement of rescue equipment worth P14 million, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of level 2 medium first responders.
The rehabilitation of the Camiguin Evacuation Center is also nearing completion, promising new comfort rooms on the second floor, a new pantry, and covered stairs and ramps to ensure the safety and convenience of internally displaced persons.
Romualdo emphasized the community’s proactive stance in disaster preparedness and response. He underscored the municipality’s dedication to safeguarding its residents through well-coordinated and forward-thinking initiatives. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
