City to strengthen disaster response

CEBU, Philippines — While Cebu City honored its disaster responders as modern-day heroes on National Heroes Day, Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. admitted that they continue to lack equipment and manpower—challenges the city government is now working to address.

During the celebration yesterday, August 25, 2025, Archival recognized at least 800 disaster responders from different barangays who were present in full force, calling them the city’s modern-day heroes.

Archival said identifying areas that need urgent attention is crucial to strengthening the city’s crisis response.

Archival and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña spearheaded yesterday’s activities, which began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Plaza Sugbo Grounds to honor the country’s heroes.

Simultaneously, Archival conducted an inventory of disaster equipment displayed around City Hall. Upon assessment, he admitted that resources remain inadequate.

Among the items requested by the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) are standard-compliant stretchers, a backhoe, and battery-operated cutting tools, among others.

Archival stressed the necessity of establishing disaster stations in both the South and North Districts to ensure timely response. However, he noted that such stations must come with complete equipment, hence the ongoing inventory.

As of yesterday, the city’s disaster team had 57 fire trucks and 34 ambulances but still lacked other essential equipment.

“So that’s why I was asking them to find areas for disaster stations sa South and North District... but kinahanglan nga naa tay mga ekipo,” Archival said.

He also instructed CDRRMO to explore alternative communication systems not dependent on network connections, particularly analog systems, to ensure coordination during disasters.

On manpower, Archival said he would evaluate reports that the city is facing a shortage of responders. Each of the 80 barangays provides 10 responders, totaling 800. The CDRRMO itself has five regular staff, 68 casuals, and 145 Job Order (JO) employees, for a total of 268 personnel.

According to Archival, the CDRRMO is requesting additional standby responders, which he may have to consider despite the city’s budgetary constraints.

“But dili ko ganahan nga ang budgetary constraints maoy maka rason nga di nuon ta maka respond. So that’s why akong gisultihan sila nga lingkuran nato, aton mahibaw-an unsa gyuy kakuwangan,” he said.

In a separate interview, Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairman of the CDRRMO, expressed gratitude for the recognition given to the responders on National Heroes Day. He said such acknowledgment boosts the morale of those who have long been at the frontlines during crises and disasters.

Tumulak noted that each barangay responder, considered a volunteer, currently receives a ?5,000 honorarium per month.

Still, he pointed out that one of the pressing challenges is the lack of a systematic response.

“Dili maayo nga atong equipment, dia pa diri, nya padung na didto, kinahanglan systematic response,” said Tumulak.

To address this, he said each barangay must identify the types of calamities common in their areas, while responders should be trained not only for fire incidents but also for other hazards. Training, he stressed, must be prioritized to ensure a more efficient response. — (FREEMAN)