The Cebu Provincial Government has officially opened a state-of-the-art command center designed to revolutionize disaster response across the province. Located in Sitio Groto, Barangay Apas, Cebu City, the newly renovated facility serves as the permanent nerve center for the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
From Idle Building to Strategic Hub
The two-story building has a varied history. Originally constructed in 2019 as an evacuation center under former Governor Hilario Davide III, it was later repurposed as a Covid-19 quarantine facility for about a month during the pandemic. Afterward, it fell into disuse and was flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) as idle infrastructure.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro's administration undertook a P9-million renovation project starting in October 2025 to breathe new life into the structure. The work, completed in early January 2026, covered the main building, a two-story dormitory, a training center, and comfort rooms, transforming the complex into a fully operational command post.
Enhancing Cebu's Emergency Capabilities
PDRRMO head Dennis Pastor emphasized the critical need for the facility. He revealed that the lack of a dedicated command center previously hampered operations, especially after the PDRRMO became a full department in September 2025. Pastor cited the challenges during Typhoon Tino on November 4, 2025, when flooding near Danao City Hall forced operations to relocate to a center seven kilometers away.
Governor Baricuatro shared similar experiences, recalling how during the September 30, 2025 earthquake, responders had to operate from a tent at the Heritage Park before borrowing space at the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO). "So this facility is very vital for us in disaster response," Baricuatro stated.
Advanced Technology for Real-Time Monitoring
The command center is equipped with modern technology to improve situational awareness and coordination:
- Communication radios linking northern and southern Cebu.
- Connectivity with three major telecommunications providers.
- An LED wall for weather monitoring and real-time situational updates.
- A P3.5-million drone with night vision, thermal imaging, and camera capabilities (operator training is pending).
The center occupies less than 10 hectares of the 57-hectare provincial property in Apas. The PDRRMO, with its 50 personnel, now has a centralized base to manage emergencies.
A Long-Awaited Provincial Asset
The opening has been welcomed by local disaster management leaders. Roland Reyes, president of the Cebu Association of DRRM Heads, expressed strong support, noting that all Local Government Units (LGUs) are mandated to have command centers. "This gives us a place to turn to when an LGU can no longer manage a disaster situation on its own," Reyes said.
Looking ahead, Pastor announced plans to establish additional communication facilities on the islands of Camotes and Bantayan, further extending the province's disaster response network. The new Apas command center marks a significant upgrade in Cebu's preparedness, ensuring a more coordinated and effective response to future calamities.
