BALER, Aurora — The Aurora Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened its Third Quarter Full Council Meeting for 2026 on September 9 to strengthen the province’s disaster preparedness, emergency response capability, and coordination among government agencies and other stakeholders.
Governor Isidro P. Galban, chairperson of the PDRRMC, presided over the meeting held at the second floor of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Building in Barangay Suklayin, Baler.
Among the major agenda items was the Climate Outlook for Aurora Province, presented by DOST-PAGASA Baler Station Chief Armando D. Avenilla Jr., as well as preparations for the rainy season discussed by Provincial DRRM Officer Engr. Amado Elson A. Egargue and council members.
The council also approved the Php750,000 reprogramming of the 2026 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) for the maintenance and rehabilitation of PDRRMO rescue vehicles and equipment. The measure was contained in PDRRMC Resolution No. 10, Series of 2026, aimed at sustaining the operational readiness of the province’s rescue assets.
PDRRMO Engr. Cristina W. dela Cruz also presented the council’s calendar of capacity-building activities and training programs for the remainder of the year.
Among the scheduled activities is the Third Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on September 10 in Barangay Tabas, Casiguran, in coordination with the Casiguran MDRRMC and with about 200 participants.
Governor Isidro P. Galban led the Third Quarter Full Council Meeting of the Aurora PDRRMC on Sept. 9, 2026, where officials tackled climate outlook, rescue capability, LDRRMF utilization, contingency planning, and upcoming disaster preparedness drills and training programs.
Other activities include the Search and Rescue Auxiliary Training in Baler, the Basic Training on the Management of the Dead on October 13 to 15, the Fourth Quarter PDRRMC Meeting on October 22, and the Local DRRM Planning Training of Trainers on October 26 to 30.
The province will also conduct Oplan Undas from October 30 to November 3, update and test contingency plans from November 2 to 4, and hold the Fourth Quarter NSED cum Tsunami Drill on November 5.
A Training Workshop on Updating Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) and Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping is scheduled in Baguio City on November 16 to 19, followed by an Incident Command System (ICS) Executive Course on December 1.
The council also included Oplan Yuletide Season, scheduled from December 23, 2026 to January 2, 2027, in its disaster preparedness calendar.
The rescheduling of the Wemboree: A Disaster Resiliency Youth Camp was likewise discussed, with various government agencies and organizations expected to participate, including the DILG, PHO, PSWDO, PYDO, BFP, Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion, PNP, Philippine Coast Guard, ENRO and PAIAD.
The council also reviewed the status, accomplishments and utilization of programs, projects and activities funded under the 2025 LDRRMF, with reports to be presented by representatives of the PSWDO, PHO, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, ENRO and Provincial Veterinary Office.
The meeting further addressed other disaster risk reduction and management concerns to enhance inter-agency coordination and ensure that government responders and communities remain prepared for emergencies.
Through sustained drills, training, contingency planning, equipment rehabilitation and capacity-building initiatives, the Aurora PDRRMC continues to strengthen the province’s resilience and emergency response capability against disasters and other hazards. (Jason de Asis)