Northern Samar Boosts Disaster Preparedness with OCD Partnership

Northern Samar – The Provincial Government of Northern Samar is significantly enhancing its disaster readiness through a strengthened partnership with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Office VIII. This collaboration aims to streamline access to emergency supplies and ensure a more organized response during calamities.

Last week, Governor Harris Ongchuan met with representatives from OCD 8, where Ms. Sher Rysiah Saises, Chief of Operations Section, announced the agency's commitment to prepositioning vital non-food items in the province. These include sleeping kits, shelter repair kits, family packs, and 300 hygiene kits. This initiative will supplement the Provincial Government's existing resources and ongoing relief prepositioning efforts by other agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

During the meeting, Ms. Saises also presented a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to establish a more coordinated system for the movement, management, and deployment of relief supplies during emergencies. This MOU is expected to formalize and optimize the logistical framework for disaster response.

Governor Ongchuan was joined in the meeting by Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) Officer Jenny Darish and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) representative, Mr. Freddie Eric Arandia.

This strategic meeting underscores the Provincial Government's proactive approach to disaster preparedness, aligning with its overarching goal of fostering a more climate-adaptive and disaster-resilient Northern Samar. By ensuring emergency resources are in place before disasters strike, the province aims to mitigate the impact of future events and protect its communities.#