MALAYBALAY CITY — The city government of Malaybalay is investing P50 million to build a disaster operations center, upgrade communication systems, and launch community programs to strengthen disaster preparedness under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief Alan Comiso said all 46 barangays will soon receive Starlink satellite connectivity to maintain communication among disaster response units during power outages or signal interruptions.

He said integrating satellite communication with the city’s upgraded disaster response infrastructure will ensure continuous coordination among responders in critical situations.

“We are enhancing our capacity to respond quickly and work more efficiently, especially during extensive emergencies,” Comiso said during the KBP Bukidnon Interaction program on August 3.

Besides Starlink connectivity, the city is expanding its closed-circuit television (CCTV) network for real-time monitoring and upgrading its digital radio base system to improve coordination between field responders and command centers.

Comiso said infrastructure improvements are also underway, including the construction of a P50-million, 9.5-hectare impounding area beside the DOH-Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Casisang, which will house the relocated CDRRMO. The site is designed as a central hub for emergency operations and equipment storage.

He said Bukidnon 2nd District Representative Jonathan Keith Flores is leading flood control projects, including river dikes in Barangays 9, San Jose, and Apo Macote, to protect residents from recurring floods.

These efforts complement the city’s tech and infrastructure upgrades, supported by community initiatives such as deploying trained Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) responders and holding regular drills and training to increase public awareness and citizen participation in disaster risk reduction.

“With trained responders in every barangay, we can make faster, data-driven decisions, deploy resources efficiently, and ensure no community is left behind. Backed by advanced communication systems, stronger infrastructure, and a culture of preparedness, Malaybalay is setting the standard for disaster resilience in Northern Mindanao,” Comiso added. (MBD/PIA-10/Bukidnon)