COMMAND and control from the top can only go so far in disaster response. When strong southwest monsoon rains enhanced by tropical cyclones “Crising”, “Dante”, and “Emong” swept through Iloilo City recently, displacing over 50,000 residents, the local government, led by Mayor Raisa Treñas, mounted one of its fastest responses in recent memory. Preemptive evacuations, swift relief distribution, and citywide coordination were commendable. But the cracks in the system were also exposed — most notably at the barangay level.
The mayor herself did not mince words: several barangays were overwhelmed, underprepared, and unable to respond with the speed and clarity required. Some failed to attend pre-storm coordination meetings. Others faltered during simultaneous floods. Many relied too heavily on the barangay captain, without trained deputies to share the burden.
This must now serve as the city’s wake-up call: disaster governance must evolve from a top-down command structure into a more decentralized, community-anchored system where barangays are not passive recipients of orders — but proactive responders with the knowledge, authority, and resources to act swiftly on the ground.
For too long, local disaster management has been overly centralized, with city or municipal offices expected to lead every aspect of the response. But in a highly urbanized city like Iloilo with 180 barangays, this model is unsustainable. Every minute counts during calamities — and barangays are the first boots on the ground. If they are not empowered, the entire structure collapses.
The shift to bottom-up governance starts with investment. Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (BDRRMCs) must not be token bodies — they must be fully trained, adequately equipped, and regularly drilled. Barangay officials and volunteers need not just seminars, but simulations. Not just relief goods, but data and tools. Not just mandates, but autonomy.
Second, there must be a system for accountability. Those who fail to participate in preparedness efforts must face administrative review. But those who perform well must also be rewarded and emulated. A culture of excellence in community-based disaster management must be cultivated — not just compliance.
And yes, disaster governance must integrate civil society, religious groups, youth, and community-based organizations. Barangay resilience is not the job of the captain alone. The whole community must own it. The best disaster plan is one that’s understood and practiced by all.
Mayor Treñas has already acknowledged the limits of a centralized system. She has proposed reforms, such as appointing secondary responders and improving communications. The next step is political will — and public pressure — to ensure these reforms are institutionalized citywide.
Iloilo City has the blueprint for an effective response. But blueprints must be built upon. And no foundation is stronger than prepared, informed, and empowered barangays.
