THE Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said that the construction of the Barangay Malabog in Paquibato district satellite office is set to begin in mid-July 2025.
Rudy Encabo, assistant department head of CDRRMO, said during the ISpeak media forum at the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) on Thursday, March 20, that the project, aims to improve emergency response, especially for residents living in remote areas like Malabog. This move also aims for residents to access emergency services immediately as response times are much faster when emergency calls come in.
“So kung wala ang Malabog, dugay pa kayo mangabot ang uban pa natong asset didto sa assistance, well naa may atong assistance partnership from the barangay pero when it comes to 911 itself medyo dali siya kung naa tay satellite station sa Malabog (Without the Malabog satellite center, it would take much longer for other assets to arrive and provide assistance. While we do have assistance partnerships with barangays, having a dedicated 911 satellite station in Malabog significantly improves response times),” he said.
Encabo also highlighted the city’s expanding network of satellite centers, with existing locations in Baganihan, Calinan, Toril, and Cabantian, and a rented facility in Panacan.
Once completed, the Malabog center will be the city’s fifth permanent satellite building, further strengthening Davao’s disaster preparedness efforts.
He said that if the expansion of the satellite station continues in the barangay, it will improve and allow first responders to immediately attend to incidents in the area. The project aims to eliminate delays that could be caused by heavy traffic, ensuring faster deployment of emergency teams.
The initiative will integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to strengthen emergency coordination, while assets like ambulances will be strategically positioned to provide rapid assistance to those in need. He then emphasizes that this development will enhance overall public safety emergency preparedness in the city.
Meanwhile, Encabo confirmed that seven new ambulances are included in this year’s budget under disaster funds. Jhayrene Hermoso, DOrSU Intern