Ilocos Norte’s disaster response coordination is expected to improve further once the three-story permanent emergency operations center in this city, with initial funding of PHP25 million, is done.

The center will be constructed near the provincial building of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in this city, according to Engineer Randy Nicolas, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer II of the Provincial Resiliency Office.

“Hopefully, the project will start within the year, with the confirmation of an initial PHP25 million for its building construction,” he said.

The project will be undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First Engineering District, he added.

The center is seen to become a central hub for all emergency response efforts and will house the equipment, offices, and communication facilities necessary for efficient disaster management.

To date, the provincial resiliency office, which serves as the emergency operations center during natural calamities and emergencies, is located in a small corner on the ground floor of the Ilocos Norte Capitol building.

In case of a typhoon, members of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council would seek permission to use the session hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or the Capitol Auditorium to accommodate a bigger group meeting. (PNA)