The award serves as an essential benchmark for assessing LGUs' disaster preparedness. Notably, Zamboanga City and Dipolog City secured positions in the top five fully compliant cities, further exemplifying their commitment to effective disaster risk reduction and management.

Meanwhile, OCD strongly encourages LGUs to equip their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) offices with essential life-saving equipment for use in disaster operations. 

“We are committed to building their capacity by providing training on how to effectively utilize this equipment during emergency response operations,” Dir. Ochotorena added.

Currently, the Zamboanga Peninsula has 26 evacuation centers, where training for disaster rescue and response is prioritized. 

Additionally, the region has taken proactive steps by implementing a post-disaster needs assessment aligned with the government's build- back- better policy.

This approach guarantees that communities will not only have designated safe havens after a disaster but also facilitates the construction of resilient structures capable of withstanding future disasters, ensuring a more secure and sustainable environment for the residents.

Emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, adaptation, and muscle memory exercises to prevent panic during emergencies, the authorities stress the need for regular earthquake drills with standardized actions.

The joint message from NDRRMC and OCD encourages unity among LGUs and agencies in the region. The aim is to establish a well-coordinated mechanism, working seamlessly in one direction, “by fostering collaboration and effective communication, the region can build a hazard-resilient community that confidently withstands disasters, which is a true sign of development,” Dir. Ochotorena said. (APG/RVC/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)