Cebu allocates P40 million for disaster storage hubs in Sibonga, Danao City

Local

By Carmel Pedroza

THE Cebu provincial government is planning to establish two strategically located disaster-response warehouses as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities across the province.

During the Hisgutan Ta! Media Forum on Thursday, June 18, retired Lt. Col. Dennis Pastor, head of the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said the facilities will serve as storage hubs for relief goods, disaster-response equipment, and medicines requiring cold storage. The warehouses may also be utilized by local government units (LGUs) as additional storage facilities.

Pastor said the provincial government has identified Sibonga town in southern Cebu and Danao City in northern Cebu as the proposed locations for the warehouses due to their strategic positions.

Each facility will occupy a 1,200-square-meter area and is expected to be completed within six to seven months after construction begins.

The provincial government has earmarked P40 million for the project, with P20 million allocated for each warehouse. The budget will cover site development, construction, and the installation of necessary equipment and facilities.

According to Pastor, the provincial government has already secured the required documents from the host LGUs, including usufruct agreements for the lots where the warehouses will be built.

The agreements will be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for approval before the project proceeds.

Pastor said construction is targeted to begin in September.

Meanwhile, the Cebu PDRRMO continues to upgrade its disaster-response capabilities through the acquisition of new equipment.

Among its latest assets is a state-of-the-art drone that was recently deployed during the 2nd Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill.

Pastor said the drone is equipped with thermal imaging and night-vision capabilities, enabling rescuers to detect heat signatures in collapsed structures and conduct search, rescue, and recovery operations more effectively, even in low-light conditions.

The office is also in the process of procuring six flood boats, four rubber boats, and additional sea vessels that will serve as sea ambulances and support disaster-response operations especially for island municipalities in Bantayan and Camotes.

Of the province’s P473.58-million disaster fund, approximately P140 million has been allocated for disaster-prevention initiatives, including infrastructure and equipment investments aimed at improving preparedness and resilience.(MyTVCebu)