Newly-appointed Administrator Harold Cabreros took charge of his first Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (IACC) meeting at the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) headquarters in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday, August 26.
The session focused on assessing the combined impact of the southwest monsoon or ‘habagat,’ a low pressure, and emerging tropical cyclone-like vortexes currently affecting weather conditions across the country.
Joining Cabreros were key OCD officials, including Deputy Administrators Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, Cesar Idio, and Henry Robinson Jr., as well as representatives from partner agencies, notably Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Given the unpredictable nature of the weather and potential evening rains, Cabreros urged local authorities to decide on class or work suspensions. Some local government units (LGUs) followed suit and exercised their discretion in cancelling on-site classes on Wednesday.
LGUs were advised to monitor the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) color-coded rainfall warnings closely and consider suspensions if an orange rainfall warning is issued.
“We must count on the LGUs to decide on cancellations because they are on the ground and have a better grasp of the local situation. But OCD will always be there to support them alongside other government agencies,” Cabreros said.
The OCD also reminded stakeholders to maintain vigilance in case the LPA intensifies into a tropical depression. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to proactive coordination and readiness to assist the LGUs in protecting communities.
Cabreros took his oath before Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. on Tuesday as the new OCD administrator and executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
He replaced Alejandro, who temporarily held the post as officer-in-charge following the exit of erstwhile chief Ariel Nepomuceno, who transferred to the Bureau of Customs. Alejandro slid back to his deputy administrator role after Cabreros’ appointment was finalized.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class of 1984, Cabreros retired from military service in 2017 after holding senior positions such as Army Vice Commander, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, and Deputy Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command.
Within OCD, he has also served as Director for Rehabilitation and Recovery Management Service, Director of the Administrative and Financial Management Service, and Regional Director for Cagayan Valley.
