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In response to the escalating frequency and severity of natural disasters, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is actively advocating for the integration of modern technology to strengthen disaster preparedness and management efforts. The increasing intensity of natural calamities, exacerbated by climate change and environmental degradation, underscores the need for innovative solutions to mitigate risks and improve response strategies.
The OCD’s call to embrace technology reflects a broader recognition of its potential to revolutionise disaster management practices. Modern technology offers advanced tools that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of early warning systems, streamline communication during emergencies, and optimise resource allocation for disaster response.
Marc Rembrandt Victore, Officer In Charge of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division of OCD MIMAROPA, emphasised the significant role that technological advancements can play in improving early warning systems and disaster response.
Victore highlighted how modern tools and applications, such as mapping software and the HazardsHunterPH app – developed by GeoRisk Philippines – are pivotal in assessing and mitigating disaster risks.
Victore pointed out that technology offers valuable resources for disaster planning and risk management. For instance, advanced mapping tools now enable local government units (LGUs) to pinpoint areas vulnerable to various types of natural Hazards. Additionally, applications like HazardsHunterPH provide critical real-time data that can be accessed through smartphones, helping users stay informed about potential dangers and prepare accordingly.
Victore urged the public to utilise these free resources and stay updated through government-provided platforms that offer real-time weather information and Hazard alerts. He also stressed the role of LGUs in promoting the adoption of these technologies to ensure that communities are well-prepared and resilient in the face of natural calamities.
In a broader context, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasised the importance of strengthening existing disaster response and mitigation frameworks rather than establishing new agencies.
During the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) launch, Teodoro highlighted the need for enhanced inter-agency coordination and information sharing. He argued that reinforcing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and OCD’s capabilities is crucial for effective disaster management.
Teodoro stressed that a well-integrated system, where each department focuses on its specialised role, facilitates more efficient disaster response and mitigation. He cautioned against the creation of new agencies, noting the substantial time and resources required to establish and operationalise such entities. Instead, he advocated for leveraging existing structures to improve disaster management strategies.
The integration of technology into disaster management is also reflected in the ongoing innovations presented at the APMCDRR 2024. Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loysaga, Chair of the Conference, underscored the event’s role in fostering international collaboration and the exchange of best practices.
The conference aims to highlight advancements in disaster management technologies and strategies, providing a platform for global dialogue on improving disaster preparedness and resilience.
The APMCDRR 2024 will bring together approximately 2,500 delegates from 62 countries, focusing on sharing experiences and strengthening partnerships to advance disaster risk reduction. The conference will explore how technological innovations can enhance disaster response and recovery efforts, reflecting a collective commitment to utilising cutting-edge solutions to address the challenges posed by natural disasters.
This concerted approach to integrating technology with disaster management frameworks represents a forward-thinking strategy to tackle the complexities of modern disaster scenarios, ensuring that response mechanisms are adaptive, efficient, and capable of addressing emerging challenges in real-time.
By combining technological advancements with established disaster response systems, the Philippines and its international partners are setting a new standard for preparedness and resilience, ensuring that communities can effectively navigate the challenges of an increasingly volatile climate.
