TACLOBAN CITY — In a move to improve emergency response and disaster preparedness along a critical inter-provincial route, the city government of Calbayog City and the municipality of Lope de Vega, Northern Samar have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) formalizing closer cooperation in disaster risk reduction and management.
The agreement was sealed during a ceremony held on April 20 at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall in Lope de Vega, led by Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy and Lope de Vega Mayor Bobby Sulidario.
At the core of the partnership is the joint management of emergencies along the Calbayog–Catarman Road, a vital transport corridor linking Samar and Northern Samar that has been prone to vehicular accidents and other emergencies.
Under the MOA, the two local government units (LGUs) agreed to establish coordinated mechanisms for rapid response, including cross-border deployment of rescue and medical teams. The agreement also covers joint trainings and simulation exercises, as well as the sharing of facilities, communication systems, and technical expertise.
Both LGUs committed to maintaining open and synchronized communication lines during emergencies to ensure faster coordination and response.
Funding for the initiative will be sourced from each LGU’s disaster risk reduction and management funds, with cost-sharing arrangements in place for large-scale incidents.
Mayor Uy emphasized that the agreement reflects the need for collaboration in addressing risks that affect neighboring communities. He added that the partnership could later expand to include cooperation in livelihood development and agricultural trade.
Local officials said the pact is expected to significantly improve response time, strengthen coordination, and enhance overall disaster preparedness in both Samar and Northern Samar—areas frequently exposed to natural hazards and road-related incidents.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
