The Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDDRMO), has focused on mitigating the impacts of both natural and man-made disasters within the community. It has been at the forefront of safeguarding the province through preparedness initiatives and response strategies. In 2024, the PDDRMO successfully implemented four core projects: Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Disaster Response, and Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery.
Disaster Preparedness has been the foundation of the PDDRMO’s efforts, with a budget of PHP 58,209,500.00 approved and PHP 52,175,287.38 utilized in 2024. Through this measure, the PDRRMO developed a comprehensive emergency management system supported by policies, guidelines, and procedures addressing all types of hazards. The PDDRMO worked to enhance and strengthen the knowledge and skills of communities, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders through continuous capacity- building programs and information dissemination. Efforts also focused on raising awareness in communities about the threats, risks, and vulnerabilities associated with various hazards.
In addition, evacuation centers were established and equipped with sufficient materials, tools, supplies, and well-trained personnel to ensure an efficient disaster response. The PDDRMO also prioritized the installation of evacuation routes, disaster signage, and early warning systems to ensure timely alerts in disaster-prone areas.
Contingency plans were formulated and updated for oil spills, power shortages, and planned events, while a provincial disaster response plan for geological hazards was also developed. Furthermore, the office organized training for Quick Response Teams (QRTs), local disaster response teams, and volunteers, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle disaster scenarios.
In terms of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the PDRRMO aimed to reduce community vulnerability with a budget of PHP 19,946,128.82 approved and PHP 19,284,846.29 utilized. Key efforts included relocating families and schools to safer areas and enhancing infrastructure resilience. Reforestation projects were implemented to prevent landslides and floods, while flood-protection structures, such as gabions and slope protection, were constructed in various municipalities. Hazard and vulnerability assessments were conducted in Mamburao, Abra de Ilog, Santa Cruz, and Paluan.
The office also rehabilitated water supply systems in 10 communities, providing jet Matic pumps, pump parts, and Jerry cans. Additionally, solar streetlights were installed in 204 disaster-prone areas. These measures reduce the risks of flash floods, extreme weather, and other hazards in the province.
Also, the PDRRMO implemented the Disaster Response project with an approved budget of PHP 7,235,829.11, utilizing PHP 6,989,026.75, which benefited 2,883 individuals in the province. The office focused on complying with national government calamity protocols and providing essential services to affected populations. Central efforts included psycho-social interventions, such as Psychological First Aid and stress debriefing, for affected individuals, particularly during Typhoons Aghon and Kristine. The PDRRMO activated its Incident Management Team (IMT), Response Clusters, and Quick Response Teams (QRT) during various events, including the Provincial Sports Meet and the Arawatan Festival, and provided logistical support, including fuel and food, for deployed teams.
Additionally, relief efforts extended to the provision of food, hygiene kits, and fuel to various Municipal and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (MDRRMCS and BDRRMCs).
Temporary shelter materials and child-friendly spaces were established in evacuation centers to adhere to health protocols. Furthermore, the activation of the SRR and RDANA Teams occurred during critical events, such as the El Niño, Typhoon Ferdie, Typhoon Kristine, and the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and health supplies were also distributed to frontliners to support their efforts. These actions supported minimizing casualties, providing immediate relief, and ensuring coordinated responses during disaster events.
Furthermore, the PDDRMO’s Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery project had an approved budget of PHP 4,770,000.00, with PHP 4,014,778.90 utilized. The project sought to rebuild and restore essential infrastructure, provide livelihood support to affected families, and implement a “build-back- better” approach for disaster recovery. Ongoing efforts include the construction of solar dryers in several barangays across the municipalities of Santa Cruz and Sablayan to support farmers. However, some initiatives, such as the BALIK-KITA AGRIKULTURA program to support rice farmers and the identification of long-term livelihood programs, were deferred, as funds were realigned to cover other urgent expenses, such as welfare goods and materials for distribution. Additionally, planned activities like conducting Post-Disaster Needs Assessments (PDNA), providing shelter repair assistance, and rehabilitating damaged infrastructure facilities were also postponed or reallocated due to the realignment of funds for immediate relief efforts.
PDRRMO’s comprehensive approach and successful implementation of projects in 2024 are evidence that the Provincial Government is focused on safeguarding the safety, resilience and long- term recovery of the Occidental Mindoro community. With the sustained actions of the PDRRMO, it is expected that the community will be well-prepared to face future challenges and continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.