CEBU City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was named the best in Central Visayas with best practices for Covid-19 response.

The city’s EOC was recognized during the first Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health Summit at the Bai Hotel in Mandaue City on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, deputy chief implementer of Cebu City’s EOC, said the award was a result not only of their efforts, but also the cooperation of their different stakeholders.

“This is a collective effort; it is our coordination and collaboration with the different stakeholders and we are on the same page in addressing this and that’s what makes it very efficient. Lastly, this award also goes to the public for their cooperation. Cooperation is very, very important,” Garganera told reporters.

Even with the award, Garganera said they will continue to remind the public to always remain vigilant and continue to follow proper health and safety protocols to prevent another Covid-19 surge from happening.

“We cannot afford another surge. That is why we have to be prepared, and now is the best time to prepare. There is no substitute for preparation,” Garganera added.

Meanwhile, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) donated 10 personal computers to the Cebu City EOC on Friday, December 10.

The computers will be utilized for EOC’s data management operations, Garganera said.

“To us, data is a prime commodity in this pandemic. It will help you save time and resources, and getting the right data will let us know where to hit first. We here in EOC are in a matter of urgency, because once it’s delayed, it will already be very hard to contain,” Garganera added.