Functions

PDRF operates the first private sector-led Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the world. The EOC is a 24/7 self-sufficient operations hub geared towards training for disaster preparedness and the coordination of relief and response efforts during major disasters. Using advanced communications software and technology, the hub monitors climate-related and natural hazards in close coordination with deployed resources in the field. Primarily, the EOC provides and coordinates warnings, disaster evacuation, asset inventory, and emergency services integration. It also complements government efforts, providing commercial and civic inputs to total disaster efforts.

Goals

1 To ensure coordination and collaboration by building an ecosystem wherein corporations and partners can collaborate and coordinate with the government and with international humanitarian organizations in disaster risk reduction and management

2 To empower individual businesses through disaster resilience. The center will promote a greater awareness of the disaster risks faced by corporations and encourage the integration of disaster preparedness with company operations

3 To strengthen the preparedness and business continuity capacity of SMEs that work directly with larger organizations to promote disaster preparedness not only in large corporations but also in the smaller businesses that support them.

Key Features

A permanent office located in the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) in Pampanga

The building housing the permanent office is retrofitted for multi-hazard resilience. It also includes stand-alone power and water systems. Clark is the chosen site for the EOC due to its low-risk location and due to the easy access to transportation networks such as the Clark International Airport, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTex), and the Subic Bay seaport. Prior to the creation of the EOC, a pilot operations base has been set up at the Shell House in Makati, the central business district of the Philippines.

The Disaster Information Management (DIM) System

This system integrates all reliable, accurate, and timely information on disaster management. The DIM System employs the customized ArcGIS Online platform from ESRI called HANDA or Hazard and Disaster Analysis for Business Resilience. PDRF-HANDA serves as a unified platform that eliminates the waiting time and provides focused efforts that enable member companies to assess and reduce their risk prior to potential disasters. The platform also allows these companies to plan relief and rehabilitation efforts that complement business continuity plans and programs.

Projects

Resilient Emergency Communications for Enhanced Disaster Response

With the support of the Australian Government and in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Office of Civil Defense, the World Food Programme, private sector partners, and local government units (LGUs), the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation will be implementing the Resilient Emergency Communications for Enhanced Disaster Response (REACHED) Project—a two-year program that aims to provide LGUs with communications solutions and skills to operate communications equipment to support coordination and response operations which will lead to uninterrupted access to communications and power from barangays during disasters.

USAID ESP Energy Resiliency Program

In partnership with USAID Energy Secure Philippines, PDRF will implement the Energy Resiliency Program: Enhancement of Energy Sector's Capacity to Respond and Recover from Disasters. This 18-month project aims to enhance the capability of the Department of Energy to prepare for, respond to, and manage disasters through capacity-building activities and innovative technologies. The project will also provide access to sustainable energy to several local government units to support critical response and recovery activities after a disaster.