Manila: The provincial government of Laguna: is fast-tracking rehabilitation and modernization of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Command Center, targeting completion by the third quarter of this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the upgrade will enhance emergency coordination, real-time monitoring and rapid response, and strengthen defenses in 24 municipalities and six cities against typhoons and earthquakes. 'This is our plan now, to complete all the equipment, such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and weather forecasters, to ensure accurate information during calamities,' Governor Sol Aragones said.

The governor's previous facility inspection revealed serious issues, including cracked walls, damaged floors, decaying ceiling, just eight functioning monitors and no active CCTV systems, which hindered surveillance and decision-making. The province is deploying CCTV networks, weather-monitoring tools and structural rehabilitation with the Provincial Engineering Office.

These measures ensure smooth data transfer from ground to command center, enhancing Laguna's disaster readiness. Operations will be 'more convenient, lighter, and effective,' PDRRMO head Aldwin Cejo said.