In a formal letter, National Defense secretary Avelino Cruz cited IBM's contribution to the government's relief and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of the landslide that happened in Southern Leyte last February.

Cruz said the use of technology will greatly boost the NDCC's preparedness for future disasters.

The virtual disaster operations system is designed to facilitate effective coordination and information sharing among NDCC member agencies, private sector and civil society groups involved in disaster response, relief and rehabilitation.