Official Launch of CSS DRR.Center in San Isidro, Philippines a Success

ON 01/02/2026 AT 03 : 16 PM

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management has been substantially improved in the town of San Isidro on the island of Samar with the adoption of DRR.Center and flood sensors.

The Philippines is considered to be the most disaster prone nation on Earth due earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and some 20 typhoons each year. Added to that is the climate crisis and increased flooding, droughts, ocean level rise and extreme heat.  

To address the threats, there are Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) at various government levels, supported by dedicated offices and funds. These structures support decentralized, localized approaches to disasters. At the top is the Office of Civil Defense, which is part of the Department of National Defense (DND). The OCD provides support for large disasters when local capacity is insufficient and is supposed to help ensure that the entire DRRM program is effective.

The Philippines national government allocates significant funding to DRRM efforts each year, with ₱21 billion budgeted for 2025, but insufficient funds often fail to reach the local level where needed. As a result, local DRRMs can be underfunded and lack the staff, equipment and supplies needed. With many DRRMs having insufficient accountability and transparency, there is a reluctance by some to increase local funding. 

The DRRM of San Isidro asked Climate Survival Solutions Philippines (CSSP) if it could help. We embedded one of our staff in their operations during a typhoon response and quickly came to the conclusion that yes, we could certainly help. The result of the collaboration is DRR.Center, a robust software and hardware framework that takes DRRM operations to the next level with AI enabled software integrated with digital radio, sensors and smart-phone apps. Features include:
  • Real-Time Situational Awareness
  • Asset Management & Tracking
  • Robust Communications
  • Materials & Supplies Management
  • Evacuation Center Management
  • Public Outreach
  • Incident Reporting App
  • Accounting & Reporting
  • Sensor/IoT Integration
  • Offline Mode

DRR.Center was officially adopted at a ceremony and workshop on Friday, December 19. Attending were local and regional DRRM staff, local government officials, members of the armed forces, media, community groups and many others.

Some of the key attendees at the DRR.Center adoption center and workshops.

Other DRRMs in Samar are considering adopting DRR.Center to strengthen their disaster risk reduction and management.