ILOCOS NORTE – Plans to bolster disaster response in Ilocos Norte are underway with the proposed construction of a three-story emergency operations center, according to local officials. The new facility, which will be situated near the provincial Department of the Interior and Local Government building, is set to significantly improve coordination and management of emergency situations.
According to Philippines News Agency, Engineer Randy Nicolas, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer II of the Provincial Resiliency Office, confirmed the allocation of an initial PHP 25 million for the construction of the center. “Hopefully, the project will start within the year, with the confirmation of an initial PHP 25 million for its building construction,” Nicolas stated.
The center, to be developed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First Engineering District, is designed to serve as the central hub for all emergency response efforts in the region. It will include state-of-the-art equipment, office spaces, and communication facilities essential for efficient disaster management.
Currently, the provincial resiliency office operates from a modest space on the ground floor of the Ilocos Norte Capitol building, with temporary arrangements made during typhoons to use larger venues like the session hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or the Capitol Auditorium for meetings involving the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.