Naga Sets Bold New Standard in Disaster Governance: A Whole-of-Community Call to Action

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a decisive and visionary move to confront the rising tide of climate threats and disaster risks, the City Government of Naga has redefined the future of local disaster governance.

With the signing of Executive Order No. 016, Mayor Leni Robredo has not only reconstituted the Naga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NCDRRMC), but has also reshaped it into a more powerful, inclusive, and future-proofed engine of resilience. By bringing in voices from across society—youth, business, agriculture, marginalized groups, and utilities—Naga is boldly declaring that resilience is everyone’s responsibility.

“The changing climate and emerging risks necessitate a stronger, more coordinated structure for disaster risk management. We believe that by involving more sectors, we can build a more resilient city,” Mayor Robredo declared.

This isn’t just a bureaucratic expansion—it is a paradigm shift. It’s a call for every resident, institution, and stakeholder to stand together in anticipation of storms, earthquakes, and other crises that may strike without warning.

A Council That Reflects the Pulse of the People

The expanded council now serves as a microcosm of Naga itself—diverse, dynamic, and united. The inclusion of representatives from the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, urban poor, education, gender and development, solid waste management, and local business sector, ensures that decisions about disaster response and preparedness are grounded in the lived experiences and priorities of every citizen.

Alongside key department heads, uniformed services, and infrastructure agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection, the council now features utilities like the Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative and the Metro Naga Water District—a crucial step in ensuring continuity of essential services when disasters hit.

City Councilor Allan Reiz Macaraig, chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Disaster Risk and Resilience, has been named co-chair, joining forces with Mayor Robredo to lead a truly multi-sectoral disaster council.

From Planning to Action: What the NCDRRMC Will Do

The newly empowered NCDRRMC has three core mandates under EO 016:

Rigorous Oversight of Local Disaster Plans – It will approve, monitor, and evaluate Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plans (LDRRMPs), ensuring they remain dynamic and responsive through regular reviews and drills.

Mainstreaming DRRM and Climate Adaptation – Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation will now be integral to all development strategies, turning resilience into a cornerstone of sustainable growth and poverty alleviation.

Pre-emptive Decision-Making for Public Safety – When needed, the council can recommend forced or pre-emptive evacuations, enabling Naga to act swiftly and save lives even before a calamity strikes.

Towards a Culture of Resilience

Naga’s approach embodies the “whole-of-community” model long espoused by global experts but rarely implemented in such a comprehensive manner at the local level.

This isn't just disaster preparedness—it’s a movement. It’s a commitment to build a city where farmers are as prepared as firefighters, where students are empowered to lead in times of crisis, and where businesses, barangays, and civil society converge to shield every corner of the community.

In the face of more frequent typhoons, unpredictable weather patterns, and rising seas, Naga is not waiting to be rescued—it is taking charge.

The Message Is Clear

This expansion of the NCDRRMC is not just a policy—it’s a promise. A promise that no voice will be left out of the conversation on survival. A promise that resilience will not be the burden of the few but the responsibility of all.

And it is a message to other cities and municipalities across the Philippines: Resilience starts now. Resilience starts with everyone.

In Naga, disaster risk governance is no longer confined to a committee room. It’s a citywide effort, deeply rooted in collaboration, foresight, and action. And with this bold step forward, the city once again proves that its greatest strength lies in the power of its people—united, informed, and ready.

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