It’s no secret that San Pedro City, Laguna is vulnerable to several natural threats that pose a risk to its 326,000 residents.
Its location right in the middle of the West Valley Fault System, its mountainous geography, and its proximity to Laguna de Bay make the city at risk of natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes.
With these risks in mind, the city government of San Pedro under Mayor Art Mercado is proud to unveil the new “state-of-the-art” Command Center, the new headquarters of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Mercado, accompanied by Interior and Local Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. and other local officials, led the inauguration of the new six-story Command Center building at Barangay Poblacion last Wednesday, April 24.
Aside from its top-of-the-line early warning and monitoring system which will enable the CDRRMO to better monitor and respond to various emergency situations, the Command Center also boasts of stable Internet connection through Starlink – an invaluable asset for the city's disaster response office, especially as communications facilities are often affected during times of calamities.
"With San Pedro fast becoming one of Laguna's 'most urbanized' cities, it is imperative for us to always prepare for these catastrophes, mitigate their effects on our people, and empower our citizens to be part of our civil defense," Mercado said in his speech during the event.
“This new building marks the fulfillment not only of our dream of building up our DRRM capabilities but also of our vision of making San Pedro City a 'smART City," he added.
DILG Secretary Abalos, on the other hand, hailed the city government of San Pedro under Mercado for its efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents, especially in view of the rising natural threats brought by climate change.
This new command center will be the 'nerve center' of the city government during times of calamities. Kaya po ako naniniwala sa proyektong ito, at naniniwala ako na dapat nating paghandaang maigi ito," the secretary said.
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