𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐏𝐃𝐑𝐑𝐌𝐎 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐑𝐆𝐘. 𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐒
The Cebu Provincial Government has inaugurated a new disaster response facility following the repurposing of a former quarantine and evacuation center in Sitio Grotto, Barangay Apas, Cebu City. After years of being idle, the facility now serves as the permanent home of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
The provincial government allocated ₱9 million to rehabilitate and fully operationalize the facility, which stands on a one-hectare, province-owned lot. The upgraded office is equipped with a modern command center designed to enhance disaster preparedness, response, and resilience across the province.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the blessing and inauguration ceremony on Friday, January 9, 2026. She was joined by Provincial Administrator Ace Durano; PDRRMO Head Dennis Francis Pastor; Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan; Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, Director of Police Regional Office 7; and PCol. Abubakar Mangelen Jr., Director of the Cebu Police Provincial Office. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Fr. John Mission, National Director of Stella Maris–Philippines.
“This Command Center is part of our effort to ensure real-time monitoring, quicker decision-making, and more efficient coordination during emergencies. Because in disasters, time matters. Coordination matters. And this will also strengthen our support to local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices. Our cities and municipalities are always the first responders, and this Command Center is here to support them—with information, coordination, and access to provincial resources. Now they have a home,” said Governor Baricuatro.
Pastor said the new facility will strengthen the province’s disaster management capabilities, noting that the establishment of a permanent PDRRMO headquarters marks a significant step toward faster and more coordinated emergency response.
During the event, IngcoPh Traders Incorporated, represented by Karen Kate Dionio, donated 40 units of INGCO 62cc gasoline chainsaws to the Province of Cebu to support PDRRMO’s disaster response operations.
Capitol department heads, key officials, and other guests were also present during the ceremony. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝒀𝑱𝑩, 𝑨𝑹𝑱
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