Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga is eyeing the establishment of additional disaster management hubs to further enhance the province’s disaster response and readiness.

“There is a need to build more hubs, especially in remote areas that need much attention, especially when calamities arise,” Gonzaga said in a statement Friday.

The governor’s declaration came after the blessing and opening of the PHP3 million “Davao de Oro Andam Action Center Resilience Hub” project at the Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital compound in Pantukan town on July 12.

She said the project fits into the mission of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to strengthen disaster response with easy access and proximity of services for constituents, particularly in the coastal areas of municipalities.

“We guarantee and assure the PDRRMO that we will support their plans and initiatives for the good of the people of Davao de Oro,” Gonzaga said.

She underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders as it is one of the critical instruments in realizing the vision and mission of the project channeled down to the Municipal DRRMOs.

Meanwhile, PDRRMO head Joseph Randy Loy said the hub envisions not only improving disaster response but will also cater to the four thematic pillars – disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and disaster rehabilitation and recovery.

“The province and municipalities can support each other to build more hubs at the soonest possible time. To the MDRRMOs, you can also ask your mayors to secure a budget for these hubs,” Loy said. (PNA)