Manila: The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) assured its commitment and discipline in aligning programs with the national government's goals. The agency achieved a "Very Satisfactory" rating in the Department of Budget and Management's (DBM) Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Agency Performance Review (AAPR), which showed its strong performance in budget utilization, program delivery, and accountability.

According to Philippines News Agency, this rating is a testament to OCD's discipline in aligning programs with national goals, maximizing resources, and upholding accountability in service of the Filipino people. OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized that the rating reflects the agency's effective management and dedication to its mandate.

Operating under the Department of National Defense, the OCD contributed to the department's overall rating of 4.12 out of 5, reflecting its efficient use of public funds and its responsiveness in meeting performance targets. The AAPR evaluates the physical, financial, and income performance of agencies, comparing actual results against planned targets, while also assessing the quality and timeliness of fund utilization reports.

The OCD said this recognition affirms its commitment to a streamlined and results-driven approach, ensuring that disaster risk reduction and response initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and with impact. With the country facing rising climate risks and natural hazards, such efficient governance is critical to safeguarding communities.

Under Nepomuceno's leadership, the OCD has prioritized early warning systems, capacity-building for local governments, risk-informed development planning, and coordination of national response clusters-all of which are central to the agency's mandate and national resilience goals. The OCD chief highlighted that given the country's vulnerability to natural disasters, this recognition strengthens their resolve to serve with professionalism, transparency, and urgency.