The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Nueva Vizcaya headed by Mr. Robert L. Corpuz led the flag-raising ceremony on July 14, 2025, highlighting its major accomplishments and ongoing initiatives for the first half of 2025. With its thematic pillars on Preparedness, Response and Rehabilitation and Mitigation” the office reported disaster risk management and inter-agency coordination.
Corpuz emphasized that from January to June 2025, the Provincial Emergency Operations Center remained fully operational 24/7, receiving, processing, and responding to disaster-related incidents in the province. The Nueva Vizcaya Emergency Response Team (NVERT) successfully responded to hundreds of emergencies in different municipalities, ensuring timely interventions in critical situations.
As part of the continuing public service commitment under Governor Jose V. Gambito’s leadership, PDRRMO has also extended financial assistance to 10,059 individuals whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Typhoon Pepito in November 2024. Moreover, aid was likewise distributed to fire victims as part of the province’s disaster response and recovery efforts.
To boost the province’s disaster preparedness capabilities, PDRRMO entered into partnerships with neighboring provinces and national agencies. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed with the provinces of Aurora and Quirino to enhance inter-local cooperation in disaster preparedness and response.Another major development includes a formal agreement with DOST-PHIVOLCS for the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the construction of a “Strong Motion House” in Nueva Vizcaya. This facility will serve as an earthquake monitoring and early warning station to improve seismic hazard preparedness in the province.
Through its Administration and Training Section, PDRRMO facilitated a series of capacity-building activities for selected staff and volunteers. These included training on the Incident Command System (ICS), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Standard First Aid Training, accredited by the Department of Health (DOH). Personnel also participated in specialized training for Mt. Tugew tour guides in Kayapa, basic swimming courses, and a generic training-of-trainers program on BLS and SFAT.
Furthermore, the office took part in the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) training organized by the Philippine Red Cross and conducted orientation sessions on emergency “Go Bags.” It also participated in the Training of Trainers on Camp Coordination and Camp Management, a key component of disaster relief and recovery.
Quarterly National Simultaneous Earthquake Drills were also conducted, reinforcing community preparedness and institutional readiness.
Meanwhile, 11 municipalities submitted updated lists of their recognized volunteer mobilization organizations, reflecting the growing support network in times of disaster. Fifteen (15) municipalities completed the submission of data on the availability and competencies of their DRRM personnel, contributing to the province’s Functional Resource Readiness and Mapping system. This aims to create a comprehensive database for manpower, equipment, and capability information during emergencies.
“We want to ensure proper use and transparency in disaster funds, the reason PDRRMO continues to convene regular Project Coordination and Management Committee meetings. These serve as a platform for updates, coordination, and reporting on the utilization of the 5% Local DRRM Fund by partner agencies and offices,” Corpuz said.
The transparency in disaster funds aligns with the strong governance agenda of Governor Jose V. Gambito, who advocates for accountability, data-driven planning, and efficient resource management in all aspects of disaster risk reduction and public service delivery. /gpp
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