The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has expressed its full support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for intensified disaster preparedness in the face of global climate change.

“OCD continues to intensify coordination with national and local agencies to ensure that disaster readiness becomes part of the country’s daily routine,” the OCD said in a statement Tuesday night.

“The President called for earthquake drills to become normalized and for continuous tropical cyclone preparedness, stressing that one disaster often leads to another.”

Marcos made the call during his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday afternoon, where he stressed the need for all Filipinos to cooperate with the government in meeting the challenges posed by climate change.

The OCD said it has taken the principle of continuous improvement to heart, using every experience to refine strategies and strengthen public safety training.

The agency also said it supports Marcos’ calls for infrastructure upgrades.

“The government is set to construct modern evacuation centers across the nation to reduce dependency on schools as temporary shelters. OCD collaborates with key agencies to accelerate this initiative,” it said.

In his latest SONA, Marcos also highlighted the role of advanced technology in saving lives and anticipating effects of calamities.

In response, the OCD said together with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), it is taking steps to maximize the use of Doppler radars, broadband seismic stations, landslide sensors, and disaster field books.

“Local government units have received additional command and control vehicles to boost rapid response capabilities with the aid of DOST (Department of Science and Technology),” it added. (PNA)