( DC file photo)
BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has approved a Php 213.7-million investment plan for 2027 aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Charles Carame said Php 149.59 million will fund disaster risk reduction and management programs, while Php 64.11 million will go to the Quick Response Fund.
Of the program allocation, Php 97.92 million is set aside for prevention and mitigation measures, including Php 30 million for integrated geohazard mapping and Php 27 million for the deployment of Community-Based Monitoring System software.
Another Php 6.66 million will support drainage improvements, climate and air-quality monitoring, and the purchase of a crawler-type backhoe and dump truck.
The city also allocated Php 30.59 million for disaster preparedness programs, including barangay Incident Command System training, family preparedness workshops, protective equipment for students and teachers, and additional equipment for the Baguio City Fire Station.
For disaster response, Php 75.11 million is programmed for operational needs and stockpiling, while Php 10.38 million is earmarked for rehabilitation and recovery projects, including structural repairs in priority areas such as Bued River, Sto. Tomas Central Slope, Middle Quirino Alley and Teachers’ Camp.
Other planned projects include an off-grid resilience hub, crisis communication training, drainage and slope protection works, evacuation spaces for children and women, emergency medical preparedness and hazardous materials response capabilities.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who chairs the CDRRMC, said the investments are intended to improve Baguio’s ability to anticipate, withstand and recover from disasters.
