Iloilo City Inaugurates 8th ICARE Center in Lapuz District

Residents of Lapuz District can now expect faster and more efficient emergency response with the inauguration of the Iloilo City Action and Resilience (ICARE) Center on December 5. The newly opened facility, located in Barangay Bo. Obrero, is the eighth ICARE Center established by the city government, adding to existing hubs in Balantang, Calumpang, Ungka, Tanza Esperanza, So-oc, Nabitasan, and the Central Command at Gaisano ICC.

The ICARE Centers were created to decentralize emergency monitoring and response operations, ensuring that services are closer and more accessible to communities. Through the strengthened presence of partner agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard, the Lapuz ICARE Center will significantly enhance safety and disaster preparedness in the district.

“Kanami kay ang Lapuz subong, tanan nga facilities kag mga kinahanglan malapit na gid. Since time ni Mayor Jerry, ginpangitaan nya gid paagi ipalapit ang mga services sa mga pumuluyo. Ang ina niya nga handum, ginapadayon ko gid. Pero ang akon nga goal nga indi lang mapalapit, siguraduhon ko libre pa gid para sa mga pumuluyo naton,” said Mayor Raisa during the ceremony, highlighting her commitment to accessible and free public services.

The construction of the new ICARE Center was made possible through the support of Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, represented by Mr. Jojo Pascual during the inauguration and blessing.

Mayor Raisa also emphasized Iloilo City’s strong performance in 911 emergency response and shared more positive developments, including the planned upgrading of the district health center into a mega health center to further improve healthcare delivery.

Among those present at the inauguration were Darwin Joemil Papa, Chief of the CDRRMO Disaster Response Division; Barangay Captain Arnel Asturias, President of Lapuz District ABC and Chairperson of the Lapuz District DRRMC; Barangay Captain James Conlu of Bo. Obrero; and other community leaders and partners.

The opening of the Lapuz ICARE Center marks another significant step in strengthening Iloilo City’s disaster resilience, safety, and public service accessibility across its districts.