MoCCoVs arrive in Central Luzon to improve disaster management, response

City of San Fernando, Pampanga – Central Luzon has taken a major step forward in disaster resilience with the deployment of six Mobile Command and Control Vehicles (MoCCoVs) by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region III.

Developed by Filipino inventor Dennis Abella, the MoCCoVs are state-of-the-art mobile units designed to enhance emergency response operations, particularly in vulnerable communities. Six of the 11 MoCCoVs produced have been deployed to Central Luzon, where they will be managed by the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs) in regions including Aurora, Bulacan, Tarlac, Bataan, and Nueva Ecija.

The MoCCoVs are specifically intended to expedite rescue efforts and restore essential services during calamities, especially when power lines and communications are disrupted. DOST Region III plans to deploy two additional units to Pampanga and Zambales, expanding coverage to all of Central Luzon by the end of the year.

These mobile units are equipped with advanced triage technology, real-time surveillance capabilities, and integrated communication systems, making them invaluable during large-scale emergencies. They allow for better coordination among responders, live situational monitoring, and on-site medical support, which are crucial during times of crisis.

When Super Typhoon Pepito (International name 𝘔𝘢𝘯-𝘠𝘪) struck Central Luzon in November 2024, the MoCCoVs from Aurora, Bulacan, and Tarlac were among the first deployed. The MoCCoVs, alongside Mobile Water Treatment Systems (MWTS) in Dinadiawan, Aurora, provided critical command coordination and potable water to the affected communities. Families lined up to receive clean, safe drinking water processed by the MWTS.

The acquisition and deployment of these vehicles in Central Luzon have been made possible through the efforts of DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., who champions locally developed disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) solutions, as well as Senator Joel Villanueva, and Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang, who has overseen the regional MoCCoV rollouts and the national rollout implementation.

As climate-related threats continue to rise, the MoCCoVs stand as a testament to the region’s growing readiness and resilience, driven by innovation, coordination, and compassion.