DAVAO CITY –The Office of Civil Defense (OCD XI), under the leadership of Regional Director and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC XI) Chairperson Ednar Gempesaw Dayanghirang, organized a Table-Top Exercise for Hydromet Hazards. The exercise, conducted via a hybrid modality encompassing both face-to-face and virtual methodologies, took place on September 6, 2023, at the 10th ID Bayanihan Hall, Camp Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.
The primary objective of this event was to assess and evaluate the response mechanisms outlined in the existing Regional Disaster Response Plan (RDRP) for Hydromet Hazards. The insights gained during the exercise will serve as a valuable reference for the revision and enhancement of the RDRP.
In his address, Director Dayanghirang challenged the Provincial and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (P/C/MDRRMCs) and concerned response agencies to conduct similar exercises at their respective levels. This step is intended to validate the effectiveness of their existing Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans.
Numerous agencies, including government departments and local organizations, actively participated in the exercise. These included the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD XI) serving as the Vice-Chairperson for Response, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST XI) as the Vice-Chairperson for Prevention and Mitigation, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD XI), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Davao, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH XI), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE XI), the National Food Authority (NFEM XI), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT XI), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI XI), the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 11 (PAF-TOG11), the Philippine Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (PCGDSEM), the Social Security System (SSS) Davao, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Davao, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Davao, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) XI, the Department of Health (DOH) XI, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) XI, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Davao, and the P/C/MDRRMOs.
This comprehensive exercise underscores the commitment of regional stakeholders to enhancing their disaster preparedness and response capabilities, ensuring the safety and resilience of the Davao Region in the face of hydromet hazards. The lessons learned and insights gained will contribute significantly to strengthening disaster response efforts in the region.
