The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) signed two significant memoranda of agreement on April 11 to enhance disaster resilience efforts in Negros. The agreements were made with the city of Victorias and the Negros Association of Chief Executives (ACE).
The first Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the OCD and the City of Victorias aims to strengthen local disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) efforts. This partnership represents a crucial step toward creating a more disaster-resilient Victorias by enhancing local capacities in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and technical assistance. The agreement allows Victorias City to access OCD’s expertise, training programs, and data resources, thereby contributing to more effective planning and community-based DRRM systems.
“What the Office of Civil Defense can offer are technical, managerial, operational knowledge and scientific data that we get from all other agencies worldwide.”
The second MOA, signed with the Negros ACE, also led by Victorias Mayor and Negros ACE President Javier Miguel Benitez, reinforces a province-wide initiative to elevate DRRM standards across all local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental. This agreement focuses on promoting collaboration, information sharing, and capacity building among local leaders, with the OCD providing technical and operational support to strengthen their disaster preparedness and resilience programs.
The signing was attended by OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno, OCD Disaster Preparedness Service Director Caesar Agnir Jr., OCD Assistant Secretary Carlos Bathan, Office of Civil Defense Negros Island Region Director Donato Sermeno III, local officials led by Victorias Mayor and Negros ACE President Javier Miguel Benitez, and UP Resilience Institute Chief Science Research Specialist Jose Abraham Ongkiko.
The ceremony, held in Bacolod City, marks a pivotal step toward enhancing safety, preparedness, and resilience in Negros, particularly in light of the recent explosive eruption of Kanlaon volcano.
In his speech, Nepomuceno, who is also the executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), described the agreement as another milestone in the OCD’s partnership with the different sectors of society, especially the local government units (LGUs). He emphasized the importance of collective action among the LGUs, private sector, and civil society, given the Philippines’ high vulnerability to disasters.
“We have around 300 volcanoes in the country; we have 24 active – one of which is Kanlaon. As you can also see, we are trying to catch up on preparations for earthquakes,” Nepomuceno said. The OCD chief highlighted the necessity for LGUs to be well-equipped as frontliners. “We have to make sure that you have the capabilities in terms of funds, equipment, and personnel,” he said. “What the Office of Civil Defense can offer are technical, managerial, operational knowledge and scientific data that we get from all other agencies worldwide.”
Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of collective action among the LGUs, private sector, and civil society, given the Philippines’ high vulnerability to disasters.
Nepomuceno expressed hope that the signed agreements would pave the way for future collaborations. “On behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary and NDRRMC Chair Gilberto Teodoro Jr., we want to assure you that we are ready to assist in all other possible calamities, not just with Kanlaon,” he said. “This is not just our job. This is not just our duty. It is our responsibility as Filipino citizens who care for your city,” he added.
‘Resilience Building an Existential Need’
For his part, Benitez highlighted that resilience building is critical for Negros. “Our agriculture, our cities, our tourism, and our people’s livelihoods depend on our ability to minimize disaster disruptions,” he said. “When a city like Victorias and other LGUs, especially upland farms in Candoni, are affected by landslides, it impacts the entire province’s food supply and economy.”
He echoed Nepomuceno’s call for effective communication during emergencies, emphasizing the importance of local reports alongside early warnings from national agencies. Benitez stated that the MOAs will facilitate joint drills, training workshops, and possibly a Negros Island Summit.
“Last but not least, also important are science-based strategies,” he added. “We will collaborate on updating our hazard maps and risk assessments using the latest technology.” He expressed confidence that a data-driven approach to policy will lead to improved infrastructure projects.
Ongkiko from the UP Resilience Institute underscored the institute’s role in providing research and raising community awareness for disaster preparedness. He urged local officials to ensure that public service continuity and contingency plans are effectively implemented.
Currently, Mt. Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3 following Tuesday’s eruption, which lasted nearly an hour. Over 25,000 residents in Negros Occidental have been displaced due to the blast, but OCD regional officials assured that LGUs have emergency plans in place.
