Manila: The Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is considering a significant investment in equipment, estimated at PHP30 million, to enhance its disaster response capabilities.

According to Philippines News Agency, Broderick Train, the chief of PDRRMO, emphasized the need for new equipment after the province ranked second to Capiz in the recent 2026 Western Visayas Regional Rescuelympics. The event, organized by the Office of Civil Defense and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, was held from July 26 to 28. It aimed to enhance the skills of rescue teams through competition and coordination exercises.

Train highlighted that Capiz's extensive array of equipment contributed to their success in the Rescuelympics, underscoring the need for Antique to bolster its resources. Planned acquisitions include a boom truck, water tank, generator set, and a mobile command center, which would facilitate real-time communication during disasters and could be utilized for disaster education across the province's 590 barangays.

Despite equipment limitations, Antique excelled in communication, coordination, and incident management, outperforming four other provinces. PDRRMO also plans to expand its training programs, focusing on lifesaving and road safety skills. An upcoming proposal to conduct lifesaving training in Caluya in August aims to further strengthen local disaster response capabilities.