President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian visit the newly-inaugurated Disaster Response Command Center of DSWD on January 12, 2023. (Photo from DSWD)
MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos can expect a more rapid disaster response from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with upgraded monitoring equipment installed at its central office in Quezon City, its spokesperson said on Monday.
DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the improvements to its newly-inaugurated Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC) will help ensure efficient and effective disaster relief operations nationwide.
“The DRCC will serve as the central hub for coordinating and implementing disaster response efforts of the department. We will be using technology and real-time data analysis so we can monitor disaster situations comprehensively,” Dumlao told Inquirer.net.
She stressed that these upgrades would help reach far-flung areas in the country by facilitating better communication with its field offices.
“We could easily identify which areas need help the most. We could also identify the field offices that have available resources and are nearest to those affected areas so we can ensure an effective delivery of disaster relief items,” Dumlao said.
She emphasized that information is critical in times of calamities, and DSWD’s improved disaster response equipment helps quick response teams make informed choices.
Previously, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) met with Canadian officials to discuss further improvements to the country’s disaster risk reduction and management systems and protocols.
The Philippines is the most disaster-prone country in the world, the World Risk Report 2022 said.
Last year, over 300,000 Filipinos were affected by repeated heavy rainfall brought by the combined effects of the northeast monsoon, a shear line, and a low pressure area.