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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Every minute counts': DENR czar orders automatic activation of operation centers during disaster warnings

'Every minute counts': DENR czar orders automatic activation of operation centers during disaster warnings

Published May 31, 2026 02:17 pm
DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna (JEL SANTOS/MB FILE PHOTO)
DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna (JEL SANTOS/MB FILE PHOTO)
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna has ordered the automatic activation of Regional Operation Centers (OPCENs) nationwide whenever disaster warnings are issued, saying “every minute counts” in protecting communities from environmental hazards and disasters.
The directive seeks to strengthen the monitoring of environmental incidents and disasters by ensuring a high level of preparedness across all DENR regional offices, including the continuous maintenance and immediate activation of OPCENs once official warnings are issued.
“To strengthen the monitoring of environmental incidents and disasters, all Regional Offices were instructed to ensure a high level of preparedness, which includes the continuous maintenance of Regional Operation Centers (OPCENs) and their automatic activation upon the issuance of any disaster warning, with clearly established lines of communication,” Cuna said in a statement.
According to the DENR chief, the automatic activation of OPCENs is crucial in protecting communities at risk by ensuring timely communication and coordinated response during disasters.
“When warnings are issued, every minute counts. Centralized data and clear lines of communication save lives and protect livelihoods,” he said.
Under the directive, assistant secretaries for field operations are tasked to coordinate directly with DENR regional offices, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and may issue guidance and instructions to immediately address operational concerns.
Regional Executive Directors (REDs) were also directed to designate an office that will centralize communications during emergencies, preferably the DENR Regional Office under their direct supervision.
The order further requires regional offices to keep their OPCENs staffed and operational at all times, with protocols for immediate activation linked to official disaster warnings.
“Preparedness is prevention. We must be proactive, coordinated, and relentless in protecting our people and our environment,” said Cuna.

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