The Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod approved on third and final reading the ordinance elevating the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BCDRRMO) under the Office of the City Mayor into a full department, Councilor Caesar Distrito said on Thursday, Dec. 11.
The ordinance was authored by Distrito, with Councilors Celia Flor and Em Ang as co-authors,
The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (BCDRRMD) Ordinance marks a major step toward strengthening the city’s institutional capacity to respond to disasters and emergencies with greater efficiency, preparedness, and expertise, Distrito said.
The Department will now be headed by a department head who must possess strict credentials, including a Master’s in Disaster Management or similar courses.
Distrito, principal author of the ordinance, emphasized the need for a more robust and responsive DRRM structure, especially for a highly urbanized and rapidly growing city like Bacolod.
“This ordinance reflects our strong commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of our people. By elevating the DRRM Office to a full department, we are ensuring that Bacolod has the organizational strength, qualified personnel, and resources needed to effectively confront disasters and emergencies. Preparedness is no longer optional, it is a necessity for a resilient Bacolod.” Distrito said
Flor said that the creation of the department reinforces the city’s long-term vision of resilience and proactive governance.
“Our city faces increasing challenges brought by climate change and various natural hazards. Strengthening our DRRM capacity is an investment in public safety and sustainable development. This department will allow us to better support our communities, especially our most vulnerable sectors, in times of crisis,” Flor said.
Ang said the ordinance highlights the importance of aligning Bacolod’s DRRM structure with national standards.
“By upgrading the office into a department, Bacolod is meeting the benchmarks set by national agencies and the Gawad KALASAG Seal. This puts us in a stronger position to lead and coordinate disaster risk reduction efforts. We want Bacolod to be prepared, responsive, and innovative in protecting our constituents.”
The ordinance expands the plantilla and organizational structure of the DRRM department, adding key positions across the Administrative and Training, Research and Planning, and Operations and Warning Divisions.
This ensures that the city will be supported by trained and competent personnel specializing in disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation, consistent with RA 10121 and national implementing guidelines, the press release said.*