As part of its mission to deliver timely and adequate services to disaster-affected families, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (FO 1) – Ilocos Region upholds its mandate on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). It ensures the availability of sufficient relief goods across 17 active regional and satellite warehouses while boosting community resilience through DRRM initiatives like the AGRIDAM (AGent for Risk Damage Management) of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon (OPANL).
During the AGRIDAM, the importance of equipment and strategies in disaster response was highlighted. National government agencies exhibited their disaster preparedness and response equipment. The DSWD FO 1 showcased its Mobile Command Center (MCC), a vehicle in disaster response that ensures seamless communication among agencies and stakeholders.
The MCC speeds up communication through the advanced satellite communication allowing local government units (LGUs) without signal to transmit accurate data, enhancing the speed and precision of DSWD’s assistance. With its specialized equipment, the MCC serves as a bridge for timely assistance and seamless coordination, helping authorities make swift decisions on support for affected LGUs. It also functions as a temporary communication hub for provincial operations and satellite offices and communities, providing essential free internet connection for reporting and connecting with loved-ones.
The MCC functions as the Emergency Operations Center for the Regional Incident Management Team (RIMT) and provides free internet connection to the public during the activity. In addition to the MCC, the exhibit also emphasized the Field Office’s various programs and services focused on DRRM.
By participating in these activities, DSWD FO 1 continues to demonstrate its proactive role in disaster preparedness and response, working toward a more resilient and prepared community for the future. (by: Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen, Information Officer II)
