Gov’t boosts ties with private sector for disaster preparations

The government is stepping up its collaboration with the private sector to bolster disaster preparedness efforts, particularly in anticipation of major calamities such as earthquakes, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Ariel F. Nepomuceno said last week.

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

“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 added.

Nepomuceno noted that the OCD has formalized agreements with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and academic institutions such as the University of the Philippines, along with other educational organizations. He also said that partnerships are being strengthened with civil engineering groups to support government disaster response initiatives.

He emphasized that this whole-of-society approach mirrors international best practices, with both private entities and civil society organizations actively participating in emergency and relief operations.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)—comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force—remains at the forefront of disaster response. Their efforts are reinforced by 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,” said Nepomuceno.

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