Garcia orders urgent review of plans for Command Center

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia aims to speed up the city government’s longstanding plan to construct a Command Center.

According to a report by the city's news and information team, Garcia has directed Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) assistant head Dexter Tudtud to look into the areas identified as possible construction sites for the command center.

This includes an area in Barangay Pahina Center, which was earlier identified by Mayor Mike Rama, as well as Block 27 at the North Reclamation Area.

After checking the possible sites, Tudtud is expected to give his report and observations.

“Gusto ko ha i-revisit na ninyo dayon and you present it to me, kay I want it done immediately,” said Garcia.

The Command Center building will house the CCDRRMO, Bureau of Fire Protection, Cebu City Transportation Office, and even the Philippine National Police.

Garcia is looking into a three to four-storey building with ample parking space and an area that will serve as a stock room.

The decision to prioritize the city’s long-time dream to build an emergency command center came following the visit of the Regional Director Office Joel Erestain of the Civil Defense-7 to Garcia last Thursday.

In connection with the City’s plan, Erestain suggested that Garcia visit the command center of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) first, as well as the command center of the OCD at Camp Aguinaldo before going into the drawing board for the structural design of the building for the city.