DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV represented the Department during the opening program and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Inter-DRRM Taskforce Convergence Zone (ITCZ) Corner Exhibit organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) on March 20, 2025, at the PAGASA Weather Bureau Science Garden Complex, Brgy. Central, Quezon City. 

The event is part of a week-long celebration of the 160th National and 75th World Meteorological Day, bearing the theme, “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together,” which aims to amplify efforts toward establishing and sustaining multi-hazard early warning systems across the country.

In her message of support, ARD Baltazar-Cortez emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder investments in creating robust risk management frameworks, including effective local early warning systems. She also stressed the importance of developing effective risk communication strategies as a critical component of disaster prevention and preparedness.

“Only when communities fully comprehend these systems can they respond proactively, reducing the impact of disasters and ultimately, saving lives,” said ARD Baltazar-Cortez.

DOST-PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel T. Servando, MMDA General Manager Usec. Procopio G. Lipana, OCD Deputy Administrator Asec. Cesar M. Idio, DOST-PAGASA Deputy Administrator for Research and Development Dr. Marcelino Q. Villafuerte II, 900th Air Force Weather Group Deputy Group Commander Maj Joel Joy L Gigan, PAF, and Food and Agriculture Organization Representative Dr. Lionel Dabbadie also delivered their messages during the event. 

Present as well were OCD-NCR Regional Director Dir. George F. Keyser, DOST-NCR Clustered Area Science and Technology Office for CAMANAVA Officer-in-Charge Warren D. Gomez, Quezon City Police District PCapt Anthony A Dacquel, and Quezon City Fire District Deputy District Fire Marshal-BFP Col Froilan C Guzman.

The ITCZ Corner Exhibit served as a platform for various NCR LGUs, national government agencies, and civil society organizations to showcase a wide array of DRRM initiatives, including cutting-edge weather monitoring tools.

The DILG-NCR, through its Local Governance Resource Center’s Metro Manila Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Resilience Network, remains committed to forging partnerships with key stakeholders to intensify efforts in ensuring public safety and well-being, fostering inclusive and data-driven governance, developing innovations that enhance disaster prevention and preparedness, and strengthening community participation in local resilience actions.