The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is strengthening its disaster response capabilities by setting up a new command center on the lower ground floor of the Capitol to ensure faster, centralized, and coordinated responses to calamities and other emergencies across the province.

Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos confirmed this on Thursday after the delivery of several information technology equipment needed to enhance the functionality of the new command center.

“The command center is on its way. The bidding for equipment has been completed, and it will be situated side by side with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office,” she said.

As a priority program of her administration, the PDRRMO has been elevated to a full department, giving it the authority and resources needed for faster, more effective action.

On Feb. 2, a new pickup truck was handed over to the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, facilitated by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon in collaboration with the region’s Office of Civil Defense.

The motor vehicle is expected to enhance Ilocos Norte’s disaster response capabilities.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology also pledged to help the province manage data processing and digital services, supporting the national strategy for data center consolidation, sustainable information and communication technology, and disaster response.

In addition to basic disaster-response equipment, the South Korean government recently donated at least four rescue boats to the towns of Pagudpud, Bacarra, and Paoay, as well as to the Bureau of Fire Protection in Ilocos Norte, via the Office of Civil Defense in the Ilocos Region. (PNA)