KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (OPDRRMO) of South Cotabato has strengthened the province’s disaster preparedness by distributing search-and-rescue equipment to more than 70 public schools and 55 barangays during the opening of the two-day South Cotabato DRRM Summit 2026.
The distribution is part of the Provincial Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the emergency response capabilities of local communities, particularly those in disaster- and accident-prone areas.
Rolly Doane C. Aquino, PDRRMO Officer, said the equipment includes trauma kits, portable oxygen tanks, rescue helmets, and spine boards, enabling first responders, school personnel, and barangay officials to provide immediate assistance during emergencies and disasters.
“This search and rescue equipment is intended to strengthen the preparedness and response capabilities of our schools and barangays. Our goal is to ensure that communities have the necessary tools to respond effectively while waiting for additional emergency responders to arrive,” Aquino said.
Aquino disclosed that the Provincial Government allocated ₱7 million this year for the procurement of the equipment under its disaster risk reduction and management initiatives.
In addition to schools and barangays, the distribution benefited partner emergency response agencies, including the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO), the Philippine Army, and the Philippine Coast Guard in Lake Sebu, further strengthening the province’s coordinated disaster response network.
According to Aquino, the distribution is being implemented in phases to ensure that all eligible recipients will eventually receive the necessary rescue resources.
“Those schools and barangays that were not included in this year’s distribution are already covered under our Annual Investment Plan. They will receive their search-and-rescue equipment in the succeeding implementation. We prioritized those located in disaster-prone and accident-prone areas where the need is more immediate,” he explained.
The South Cotabato DRRM Summit also served as a venue for learning, collaboration, and capacity building among disaster risk reduction and management stakeholders from across the province.
One of the event’s highlights was the South Cotabato DRRM Summit Radio Broadcasting and TV Broadcasting Competition, which showcased participants’ communication skills while emphasizing the critical role of accurate and timely information dissemination before, during, and after disasters.
The summit gathered local DRRM officers, emergency responders, representatives from national government agencies, barangay officials, educators, volunteers, and other stakeholders to discuss best practices, innovations, and strategies aimed at improving disaster preparedness and resilience throughout South Cotabato.
To recognize the dedication and sacrifices of emergency responders, the summit will conclude with the Responders’ Night, featuring a fellowship program and a raffle draw where responders will have the opportunity to win a motorcycle as the grand prize, along with various home appliances.
