Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno of the Office of Civil Defense has commended the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for its proactive stance on disaster preparedness and response. Speaking from Manila, Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of these efforts, given the Philippines’ position in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which makes it highly susceptible to natural disasters.
He pointed out that the recent enactment of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act by President Marcos is a significant step forward in protecting Filipinos, especially those living in areas at high risk of disasters. This legislation requires the establishment of fully equipped evacuation centers across all cities and municipalities in the country.
Nepomuceno praised the administration’s commitment to effective disaster management, highlighting the collaborative efforts of various government agencies and frontline workers. He stressed the importance of a comprehensive government approach to disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, rehabilitation, and recovery.
Recent surveys by the Social Weather Stations have shown a positive public response to the government’s disaster relief efforts, with a net satisfaction rating of 65 percent in December 2024, up from 62 percent in September of the same year. Nepomuceno noted that these results reflect a growing public awareness of the government’s initiatives to improve disaster response and promote preparedness and management.
He also acknowledged the contributions of multiple departments and agencies, including social welfare, interior, environment, science and technology, and health, as well as the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Coast Guard, all working under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council led by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
Nepomuceno expressed that the satisfactory ratings encourage the government to aim for even higher standards in disaster management. He emphasized that the assistance provided goes beyond immediate relief, focusing also on long-term recovery and resilience-building to help communities rebuild and improve their livelihoods post-disaster.