The government is strengthening collaborations with the private sector to enhance disaster preparedness, especially during earthquakes. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Ariel F. Nepomuceno said on Wednesday.

“We are now leveling up public participation. We are already institutionalizing partnerships with the private sector,” said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

“Kailangan namin ang mas malawak at mas malalim na partisipasyon ng private sector. We assure you, based na rin ito sa utos ni Pangulong (Ferdinand) Bongbong Marcos na pagbutihin natin ang paghahanda sa tulong ng private sector,” he also said.

Nepomuceno said that the OCD has officially signed agreements with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and academic institutions, including the University of the Philippines (UP) and other educational organizations.

The OCD is enhancing its partnerships with local civil engineering groups to assist the government in disaster management, he added.

Nepomuceno said that the government is working with the private sector and civil society to respond to calamities, reflecting the current global norm in dealing with calamities.

At the core of the government’s disaster response are three primary services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), consisting of the Philippine Army, the Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Air Force as key responders.

The AFP will receive support from the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

“Sila iyong ating backbone – plus the volunteers from the local government units. Marami naman tayong sanay na subali’t padadamihin pa natin sila upang sigurado tayo,” Nepomuceno said.

“Once needed, they are ready bilang paghahanda, including the equipment and the communications capability,” he added. | PND