The Negros Occidental provincial government will start operating its own disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) training center here within the year as part of the initiatives to boost the province’s readiness against natural disasters and calamities.

“This year, we will open the Negros Occidental DRRM Training Center, a vital step in building a culture of preparedness and saving more lives across our province,” Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said in his address during the 37th inaugural session of the Provincial Board at the Capitol Social Hall Tuesday.

The Negros Occidental Operations Center, managed by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), is located at the Panaad Park and Stadium compound in Barangay Mansilingan, this city.

The province’s Emergency 911 center operates 24/7, with the support of 24 ambulance units deployed across the local government units in the province.

“We’ve enhanced logistics, prepositioned assets for both dry and rainy seasons, and are expanding communication capabilities across all cities and municipalities,” he said.

Lacson said that in the past several years, the PDRRMO has significantly strengthened the resilience of the Negrenses.

“From the Covid-19 pandemic to Typhoon Odette and Kanlaon’s recent activity, the PDRRMO has led with urgency and coordination,” he said.

Through these efforts, he said Negros Occidental has earned for the first time the “Beyond Compliant” distinction under the Gawad Kalasag Seal for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance.

Lacson said the provincial government has also installed early warning systems in key areas, conducted over 90 DRRM trainings, and procured vital search and rescue equipment to support the One Negros Response system.

“Our efforts have also earned recognition at the regional level for exemplary performance in institutionalizing DRRM for Health and for innovation in its implementation,” he added. (PNA)