BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City government is set to further strengthen its disaster risk reduction and management programs following the approval of an ordinance elevating the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BCDRRMO) into a full-fledged department.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved on third and final reading the ordinance converting the BCDRRMO, currently under the Office of the City Mayor, into the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (BCDRRMD).
The measure was authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito, with Councilors Celia Flor and Em Ang as co-authors.
The establishment of the BCDRRMD is aimed at enhancing the city’s institutional capacity to respond to disasters and emergencies with greater efficiency, preparedness, and technical expertise.
Under the ordinance, the department will be headed by a department head who must meet strict qualifications, including possession of a master’s degree in disaster management or a related field.
Distrito emphasized the need for a more robust and responsive disaster risk reduction and management structure, particularly for a highly urbanized and rapidly growing city like Bacolod.
He said the ordinance reflects the city government’s commitment to protecting lives and properties by ensuring that the DRRM system has the organizational strength, qualified personnel, and resources necessary to address disasters and emergencies effectively.
Councilor Flor said the creation of the department supports Bacolod’s long-term vision of resilience and proactive governance, especially in the face of increasing challenges brought by climate change and natural hazards.
She noted that strengthening DRRM capacity is an investment in public safety and sustainable development, particularly for vulnerable communities during times of crisis.
Councilor Ang also said upgrading the DRRM office into a department aligns Bacolod’s disaster management framework with national standards and benchmarks, including those set by national agencies and the Gawad KALASAG Seal.
She added that the move positions the city to better lead and coordinate disaster risk reduction efforts.
The ordinance also expands the plantilla and organizational structure of the new department, creating additional key positions under the Administrative and Training, Research and Planning, and Operations and Warning divisions.
This is intended to ensure that the city is supported by trained and competent personnel specializing in disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation, in accordance with Republic Act 10121 and its implementing guidelines.
With Bacolod’s population projected to exceed 647,000, the measure reinforces the city’s commitment to resilience and disaster preparedness.
The establishment of the BCDRRMD is expected to improve coordination across barangays, enhance emergency response mechanisms, and enable the city to operate more effectively across all phases of disaster risk management./PN
