Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has signed Executive Order 30, Series of 2026, creating an Executive Committee (ExeCom) within the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to expedite disaster response and decision-making.
Streamlining Disaster Management
The new ExeCom is empowered to act on behalf of the full PDRRMC, with authority to review, evaluate, and endorse disaster-related plans and funding quickly, bypassing lengthy bureaucratic processes. This aims to eliminate delays in releasing funds, equipment, and personnel during crises.
Direct Emergency Authority
During emergencies, the committee will directly manage the deployment of rescue equipment, provincial employees, and financial aid for recovery operations. The ExeCom comprises ten key provincial officials, including the Disaster Risk Reduction Officer, Planning Officer, Budget Officer, Treasurer, Engineer, Social Welfare Officer, Health Officer, Agriculturist, and the chairs of the Provincial Board committees on Public Health and Budget.
The committee can meet at any time when necessary, as summoned by the governor or the chair. To prevent decision-making delays, members who cannot attend must send a representative with full decision-making authority.
Baricuatro cited the Local Government Code of 1991 and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 as the legal basis for the order, which takes effect immediately.
