UP Resilience Institute Executive Director Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco A. Lagmay and UPRI staff Mr. Rudy Derez, Mr. Jude Agapito, and Mr. Marcus Rosales visited the local government of Biñan City in the province of Laguna on March 27, 2023 to attend the inauguration of its new Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Center. The building, built using volcanic ash blocks from the Taal Volcano eruption in 2020, will serve as the headquarter of the Biñan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BCDRRMO).
The C3 Center houses a CCTV monitoring room connected to over 160 security cameras all over Biñan, including a 140-feet high Eagle Eye surveillance device that can monitor events within the city. The new three-story building also houses a call center, a conference room, and a training room where free basic life support and medical training activities will be held.
In his message of support, Dr. Lagmay acknowledged the hard work and dedication of officials of the local government of Biñan. “Nakakita na agad ako ng mga international best practices sa DRR” (I saw right away international best practices in DRR already [being used here].) He said. “Unang-una ay ang pag-gamit ng resources sa tamang lugar. Kung ano yung mga importante ay doon binubuhos ang pera. Nakikita niyo naman ang produkto.” (First and foremost is the proper utilization of resources. Whatever is important, that’s where the money should be spent. You can see [how it turned out in this C3 Center].)
Dr. Lagmay also highlighted the CDRRMO’s use of music to promote disaster awareness. “Meron kayong banda at ang tinutugtog nila ay tungkol sa environment, tungkol sa nasyonalismo, at paano tumulong tungkol sa disaster.” (Your city has a band which plays music about the environment, about nationalism, and how to help in times of disaster.) He said. “Aanhin mo ang siyensiya at technolohiya kung hindi naman niyayakap ng tao. Kailangan naiintindihan. ‘Pag hindi naiintindihan baliwala po iyan. Bahagi po yan ng disaster awereness.” (Science and technology has no use if people are not embracing it. It needs to be understood. If it’s not understood, it’s useless. It’s a part of disaster awareness.)
In closing, Dr. Lagmay recognized the important role that women play in disaster risk reduction and management. He pointed out the importance of placing women in positions of leadership where they can contribute to shaping disaster risk reduction and resilience policies, strategies, and programs.
Joining Mayor Dimaguilla and Dr. Lagmay during the ribbon cutting ceremony were Vice-Mayor Gel Alonte and Mr. Tadeo Sagritalao from the Office of Civil Defense Region 4A.