The Negros Occidental provincial government will establish Emergency 911 (E911) command posts and logistics hubs across the province’s six legislative districts this year to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced the development in his message during the provincial capitol’s first flag-raising ceremony for 2026 here on Monday.

“Building on the achievements of the past year, we now look ahead with concrete plans for 2026,” he said.

Lacson said E911 command posts facilitate inter-agency coordination, with supplies prepositioned at logistics hubs to assist affected communities.

At the Panaad Park and Stadium here, the province has completed the disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) building, which will serve as a model for these hubs.

“It is 100 percent complete and ready for inauguration,” Lacson said.

The Negros Occidental Operations Center, managed by the Provincial DRRM Office, is located within the Panaad Park and Stadium compound in Barangay Mansilingan.

The province’s E911 center operates 24/7, supported by ambulance units deployed across the 31 local government units (LGUs).

Lacson said Negros Occidental improved its DRRM system in 2025 by completing six key plans, including the provincial DRRM plan, climate change action plans, hazard contingency plans, and the Kanlaon Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan.

“These were tested through simulations and early warning systems for Kanlaon and flood-prone areas. Ground teams led evacuations, search-and-rescue, and relief operations, supported by prepositioned equipment and enhanced emergency medical response,” he said.

The governor said ongoing training, better logistics, upgraded communication, and new DRRM facilities have strengthened the province’s capacity to protect lives and communities. (PNA)