Catanduanes: The Office of Civil Defense-Bicol (OCD-5) is aiming to establish a disaster response warehouse in Catanduanes to enhance preparedness and humanitarian efforts in the island province. OCD-5 Deputy Regional Director Jessar Adonardo has communicated with Catanduanes Governor Patrick Alain Azanza about the proposed construction of a facility that will serve as a stockpiling site for non-food items (NFIs) needed for disaster operations.
According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed facility will cover an estimated floor area of about 1,500 square meters and will be used to preposition emergency supplies required during disaster response operations. Adonardo emphasized the importance of strengthening logistics capabilities through the Integrated Logistics Hub Program. The initiative aims to establish warehouses in strategic locations to preposition resources and support rapid disaster response, as part of proactive disaster risk reduction and management efforts.
Masbate and Camarines Norte are also identified as priority provinces in Bicol for establishing similar facilities. Adonardo mentioned that the project has advanced to the next phase, with the agency requesting the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to conduct a geohazard and site-suitability assessment of the proposed location. A site inspection will validate the area's suitability and determine the project's technical and logistical requirements before moving forward with construction planning.
Adonardo noted that the warehouse will significantly enhance response operations in Catanduanes. Prepositioning supplies on the island will allow for quicker response, especially in the delivery of non-food items. Governor Patrick Alain Azanza expressed the importance of the planned warehouse, highlighting its role in ensuring immediate delivery of services, especially after strong typhoons. He pointed out that without an OCD warehouse, it could take days or even weeks for assistance to arrive, including essential non-food items like roofing materials.
Azanza added that the warehouse will complement the province's quick response fund by supporting assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which primarily distributes food packs and cash aid, while OCD provides essential NFIs.
