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Gazette-Vol1-2021.indd 1-2 17/08/2021 1:49:49 PM Photo by cottonbro from Pexels EDITOR’S NOTE NDRRMC publishes National DRRM 4 Framework and Plan 2020-2030

NDRRMC, WB beef up disaster rehab, The world continues to change as various tumultuous events happen. The usual serving of 5 launches Ready to Rebuild Program for hazard events grew due to the complications of climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic LGUs also upset not just world economies but the normal workings of society here in the home front. Much task has been given to the office of civil defense to assist the country bear the OCD ramps up COVID-19 testing; challenges of disaster risk reduction and the pandemic. 6 distributes antigen test kits to NCR+ To honor public trust and the agency’s mission, OCD painstakingly continued the effort to attain ISO certification, alongside the rigors (and limitations) of the pandemic situation. Various sectors across PH join 1st ISO certification is a rigorous process undertaken by both public and private organizations 7 Quarter online NSED around the globe to meet international standards. OCD gathers inputs on NSTP IRR Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, OCD institutionalized its Total Quality Management revision, holds public consultation / Why System (TQMS). Training courses and workshops for employees were organized with 8 disaster happen? Demystifying common the Development Academy of the Philippines. OCD’s QMS Manual and Quality System misconceptions Procedures, Formulation of Functional Quality Objectives, Risk Registers, Risk Control Plans, Quality Operating Procedures, and Quality System forms even went through enhancement. 10 OCD is now ISO 9001:2015 Certified

On February 16, 2021, OCD’s labors were rewarded. It received its ISO 9001:2015 certification from TUV Rheinland Philippines, Inc. after passing the two stages of certification audits. Join us on Viber; Mahalagang Paalala 12 Ngayong Tag-ulan; NDRRMC Monitoring By implementing the ISO quality management standard, OCD will be able to ensure Dashboard the quality and effectiveness of its processes and services in its quest for performance excellence in administering the country’s comprehensive national civil defense and DRRM 13 Events@Central program. TABLE OF The growing responsibilities of OCD will be undertaken with renewed vigor because of this certification. Quality public service is assured. 14 Across The Nation With this significant step accomplished, OCD continues to affirm its sincere desire to scale CONTENTS up service improvements in the service of the Filipino people, to realize its mission of building a safer, climate change adaptive and disaster resilient Philippines.

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NDRRMC, WB beef up disaster rehab, launches Ready to Rebuild Program for LGUs

By: World Bank, Mark Cashean Timbal original state but stretches all the way until we make NDRRMC all communities more prepared for any eventuality,” The National Disaster Risk Reduction and added Sec. Lorenzana during the media launch of the publishes Management Council (NDRRMC), in partnership with Training Program. National the World Bank (WB) launched the Ready to Rebuild program on March 4, 2021 via teleconference. The training, which will employ experiential learning, DRRM Representatives from local chief executives across the will be delivered online to at least 100 LGUs for 500 country, NDRRMC member-agencies, representatives Framework from the private sector and media partners joined this activity. local chief executives and technical staff. It will be and Plan composed of 16 half-day sessions spread across five “The Ready to Rebuild Program is the perfect weeks scheduled in April, June, August, and October 2020-2030 opportunity for us to capacitate ourselves more 2021. to better serve our constituencies, empower our By: Samantha C. Tebrio communities against the calamities and disasters, and “We expect those who are participating in the enable ourselves to save lives and livelihoods,” said Ready to Rebuild Program to have better grasp National Defense Secretary and NDRRMC Chairman and appreciation of each crucial step towards Delfin Lorenzana. preparedness. By doing so, they can be counted upon to fully deliver when the need arises which is The Ready to Rebuild Program, developed by the very certain in a calamity-prone country like ours,” Office of Civil Defense (OCD) with support from the added Sec. Lorenzana. World Bank, aims to increase the capacity of local The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Sharing the same vision on reducing vulnerabilities government units (LGUs) and their technical staff in A total of 170 participants from 31 local government Management Council (NDRRMC) launched the and enhancing resilience towards sustainable post-disaster recovery. This includes developing local units joined the first batch of the Ready to Rebuild: updated NDRRM Plan 2020-2030 and is now development, the plan also establishes policy pre-disaster baseline data needed for rehabilitation Disaster Rehabilition and Recovery (R2R) program accessible via online. coherence through its alignment with United Nations and recovery planning, local disaster risk financing which started on April 20, 2021 and concluded on Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework strategy to guide the financing of recovery, and draft May 1, 2021. The updated NDRRMP targets twenty-three (23) for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), Paris Agreement, local rehabilitation and recovery program which outcomes, fifty (50) outputs and two-hundred-six Asia Regional Plan for Implementation of the can be updated by LGUs based on the impacts of The Ready to Rebuild Program was developed from (206) activities which will be reviewed and assessed SFDRR 2015-2030, ASEAN Agreement on Disaster disasters. the Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Planning in three separate review timelines during its Management and Emergency Response, Ambisyon Guide (RRPG) approved by NDRRMC in March 2019. implementation. Natin 2040, Philippine Development Plan 2017- “Our roles do not end with the last drop of the The National Economic and Development Authority 2022, National Climate Change Action Plan, National rainfall, last tremor of an earthquake, or the last (NEDA), as the Council Vice-Chair for Disaster Led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the 10- Security Strategy, Agenda, among others. household evacuated to safety. It does not even end Rehabilitation and Recovery, developed the Guide year NDRRMP went through consultations among upon the restoration of affected communities to their with technical assistance from the World Bank. NDRRMC member agencies, Regional Disaster The NDRRMP 2020-2030 is pursuant to the mandate Reduction and Management Councils (RDDRMC), of Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as the The RRPG is intended to help craft local recovery Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management plans and implement them faster and with build Offices (LDRRMOs), Civil Society Organizations Act of 2010”. back better standards. It drew lessons from previous (CSOs), the academe, private sector, development disasters and incorporated global good practices, partners, humanitarian assistance actors and other The NDRRMP 2020-2030 was approved by the particularly in the area of disaster rehabilitation and stakeholders at various levels to ensure a whole-of- NDRRMC during the 4th Quarter Emergency Full recovery. It is also the first country-specific guide for society and whole-of-government approach in the Council Meeting held on October 30, 2020. both natural and human-induced disasters that is development of the plan. adopted for national and local levels. The copy of NDRRMP 2020-2030 can be accessed The updated NDRRMP establishes linkage between through https://ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/ The second batch of the R2R program will disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), article/4147/NDRRMP-Pre-Publication-Copy-v2.pdf. commence on June 1, 2021 and the third batch is climate change adaptation (CCA), and human security on August 3, 2021. by focusing on climate and disaster risks.

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OCD ramps up COVID-19 testing, distributes Various sectors across PH join antigen test kits to NCR+ 1st Quarter online NSED

By: Samantha C. Tebrio By: Samantha C. Tebrio

Seventy four (74) hospitals, local government units, Stakeholders from different government offices, and several government agencies in Metro Manila academe, Non-Governmental Organizations and and nearby provinces received the rapid antigen kits Civil Society organizations, and the public across the procured by the Office of Civil Defense to ramp up country joined the First Quarter Online Nationwide the COVID-19 testing capacity of the country. Simultaneous Earthquake Drill led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council As of May 12, 2021, 460,300 test kits were distributed through the Office of Civil Defense on March 11, to 74 health facilities, LGUs, and several government 2021. offices in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON. “Napakahalaga ng inyong patuloy na suporta at kooperasyon sa ating layunin na pagtibayin ang Resolution No. 108 of the Inter-Agency Task Force kahandaan ng sambayanan sa anumang sakuna for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases o kalamidad. Sa kabila ng pandemya, nararapat (IATF-EID) authorized the OCD to utilize its quick lamang na ipagpatuloy ang mga pagsasanay para response fund to procure the said test kits. makapaghanda sa lindol anumang oras.” said NDRRMC Chairperson and Defense Secretary Delfin OCD staff facilitates online NSED According to the said resolution, “The Office of Lorenzana in his key message. the Civil Defense is [hereby] authorized to procure using their Quick Response Fund under the National for the Welfare of Children Executive Director “Tungkulin ng isang mabuting mamamayan na Undersecretary Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, National Disaster Risk Reduction Management or such other hikayatin ang kanyang pamilya at komunidad sa available funds, an initial Five Hundred Thousand Youth Commission Commissioner-at-Large Paul mga pagkilos tungo sa kahandaan at kaligtasan.” he Anthony Pangilinan, and Philippine Commission (500,000) pieces of any of the following Rapid added. Antigen Test Kits authorized by the Food and Drug on Women Executive Director Atty. Kristine Yuzon- Chaves gave their messages of support for the NSED. Administration”. This year’s first quarter online NSED was the third online drill following the third and fourth quarter The procured Abbott Panbio COVID-19 Ag rapid Civil Defense Asec. Hernando Caraig Jr. in his NSEDs in 2020. The first quarter NSED was held via closing remarks reiterated the call for the public to test devices, which were delivered in two batches, live stream of ceremonial pressing of the button. are stored in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The continuously participate in drills aimed at enhancing The alarm sounded at 2:00PM where the public was the preparedness capacity. purchase of these antigen kits seeks to “ensure encouraged to do duck, cover, and hold in their the swift detection of cases and tracing of close houses and offices. contacts,” the resolution read. “Ang NSED ay isa lamang sa mga paraan natin sa pagpapatibay ng kahandaan ng sambayanan. “Malaki ang nagagawa ng ating pagtutulungan sa hinikayat namin na kayo makiisa hindi lamang sa A training on the use of the test kits was also pagsasakatuparan ng adhikang gawing mas ligtas conducted on April 14, 2021 via the teleconference mga nasyonal na pagsasanay kundi sa mga aktibidad ang bawat komunidad. Nakikita namin ang patuloy sa inyong komunidad. Patuloy rin nating hikayatin for health care personnel who will be tasked to na pag-unlad ng kamalayan at kahandaan ng administer the tests in the recipient LGUs and ang ating kapwa at pamilya na paghandaan ang sambayanan at nais naming mas mapayabong pa pagharap sa anumang sakuna.” Asec. Caraig said. hospitals. ito.” said Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Casiano Monilla. The OCD continues to distribute the remaining A table top exercise on local and regional 39,700 antigen kits as part of its COVID-19 response coordination for earthquake occurrence was also Department of Science and Technology held earlier as part of NSED activities. along with the support to testing, isolation, and Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr., Department of treatment facilities nationwide and to the Oplan Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Kalinga Program. The Second Quarter Online NSED is scheduled on Bautista, National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary June 10 2021, 9:00 a.m. Other online activities will be Attorney Noel Felongco, several NAPC Sectoral Rapid antigen kit launched including #BidaAngHanda Online Quiz Bee Representatives, Center for Disaster Preparedness on June 4, 2021 as well as a webinar on earthquake Deputy Executive Director Mayfourth Luneta, Council preparedness on June 8, 2021.

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advocacy of the United Nations International Strategy can no longer deal with its impacts. Imagine a for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) emphasizing how community living in a coastal area with risks of storm anthropogenic causes, unplanned urbanization, surge and was able to pre-emptively evacuate in safe OCD gathers inputs on unchecked poverty, destruction of the environment areas and able to secure their livelihoods. Imagine, NSTP IRR revision, holds and the lack of international cooperation are among the community being informed on what to do before, the drivers of the increasing intensity and frequency during and after a tropical cyclone. Imagine, the OCD Director Susan Juangco discusses milestones public consultation of disaster events. community and the local government leading the in the revision of the Implementing Rules and family preparedness planning and implementing the Regulations of the NSTP Law A Dilemma of Language preparedness measures in times of a tropical cyclone. Imagine, structural infrastructures built to mitigate By: Samantha C. Tebrio Inputs from the discussion will be consolidated and However, the term “natural disaster” is still widely impacts of flooding and storm surges. These are only discussed by the NSTP TWG for finalization of IRR used and a popular phrase among politicians, a few actions which reduce the risks of a disaster and Various points were gathered in a public consultation and approval of CHED, TESDA, and DND. media organizations, civil society groups and most importantly, prevent a loss of life. on the draft revised Implementing Rules and international organizations- and more surprisingly, Disasters are not a by-product of a single factor. Regulations (IRR) of the National Service and Training “To our stakeholders, especially those joining us among scientists and disaster risk reduction (DRR) Most often, it is a result of an interaction between Program (NSTP) Act of 2001 conducted by the Office today via social media, your views and perspectives, practitioners. In a study conducted by Chmutina and systems within systems. of Civil Defense on May 11, 2021. as well as your support are significant contributions Von Medding (2019), they systematically analyzed in the formulation of this revised IRR. We are the use of these expression and found out that So, can we predict disasters? Maybe. “This public consultation aims to ensure that relevant determined to fast track this endeavor and hope the expression “natural disaster” disconnects the stakeholders are consulted and every voice is heard for its actual implementation at the soonest reality of the most vulnerable by associating and Given all the technology that we have right now, DRR and all opinions were considered before we submit possible time.” said Civil Defense Administrator blaming “nature”, putting responsibility for failures practitioners can now assess hazards and risk in areas the revised IRR of the NSTP for the approval of the Undersecretary Ricardo B. Jalad. of development as natural phenomena or “acts of even without the hazard actually happening. In a click NSTP Joint Committee,” Department of National God”. The study further suggests that it was initially away, you can generate knowledge on the hazards Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu said in The consultation was attended by representatives used in the 1990s as a way to leverage popularity- in your community, understand the associated risks his opening remarks. from the DND, Office of Civil Defense, Commission with no communication agenda- to trigger particular and most importantly, prompt disaster preparedness on Higher Education, Technical Education and associations and behaviors among the public. actions to prevent disasters from happening. Apart OCD Director Susana Juangco presented the draft Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and However, this resulted to negative impacts and from the hazard assessment tools, there are also revised IRR of the NSTP where she discussed the Commission on Higher Education, National Youth misconceptions about disasters. applications and on-going development which can roadmap revisions, guiding principles, technical Commission, Department of Eucation, Department generate levels of exposure and vulnerability of terms, program implementation, fees and incentives, of the Interior and Local Government, House Disasters and Hazards communities. organization of NSTP graduates, and miscellaneous of Representatives - Committee on Higher and provisions. Technical Education, Senate - Committee on Higher At present, disaster is defined as a serious disruption As a practitioner myself, if the time comes that we and Technical Education, Coordinating Council of of the functioning of a community or a society can accurately predict disasters, it only means that The director also mentioned the series of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines, involving widespread of human, material, economic we have already found a way to prevent it from consultation conducted since July 2020 and the Philippine Association of State Universities and or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds happening. Disasters is not only about the physical issuance of two memoranda to gather comments Colleges, Association of Local Colleges and the ability of the affected community or society to science- what is interesting about it is that there’s from various agencies on the first draft of revised IRR Universities, Philippine Society of the NSTP Educators cope using its own resources (Philippine DRRM Act a social component in it and an interplay in various of the NSTP formulated by NSTP - Technical Working and Implementers, Philippine Federation of State of 2010). To put simply, disasters happen when: (1) systems. Group (TWG). Universities and Colleges Student Leaders Inc., there’s a hazard- either natural or human-induced Student representatives from Local Universities and which caused the disruption; (2) there are losses and Given the risk profile of the Philippines, our main During open forum, clarifications and concerns raised Colleges, and the NSTP – TWG. damages associated to the levels of exposure and goal is to build disaster resilience and the pathway by the participants and netizens were addressed and aspects of vulnerability; and (3) the lack of capacity to to resilience is reducing disaster risks. Hence, it is discussed for the finalization of NSTP IRR. Recorded livestream of the public consultation can deal with the impacts of the hazards. critical to grapple that the root causes of disasters be watched on Civil Defense PH Facebook page. are not only natural, and there’s a difference between But then again, are all hazards disasters? The answer disasters and hazards. Why disasters happen? is NO. Disasters are no longer the function of physical hazards. By setting the parameters of why disasters happen, Demystifying common misconceptions we help shape the public perception of risks A hazard is a dangerous phenomenon or a threat- associated with natural hazards. Consequently, to By: Rachelle Miranda a misconceived notion which associates disasters as slow-on set or onset- can only become a disaster if encourage the public to turn the disaster science naturally occurring. there are losses and damages and the community into action. Disasters are often associated with the term Contrary to that misconception, recognize that “natural disasters”-referring to how the natural there’s no such thing as natural disaster, only natural References: https://www.undrr.org/news/sendai-framework-6th-anniversary-time-recognize-there-no-such-thing-natural-disaster-were phenomenon is causing disasters. But this is a fallacy, hazards. This is also the long-time campaign and Chmutina, K., von Meding, J. A Dilemma of Language: “Natural Disasters” in Academic Literature. Int J Disaster Risk Sci 10, 283–292 (2019).

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Gazette-Vol1-2021.indd 9-10 17/08/2021 1:49:54 PM The agency went through enhancement of its QMS Manual and Quality System Procedures, Formulation of Functional Quality Objectives, Risk Registers, Risk Control Plans, Quality Operating Procedures, and Quality System forms. This was followed by an internal quality audit on October 21 to 30, 2020 to check the compliance of services with the QMS standards, as well as management review on December 1, 2020 and readiness assessment on December 2 to 4, 2020.

The first and second stages of audit were held on December 15, 2020, and on January 19 and 20, 2021 respectively.

Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad in his message emphasized how the agency strived for the OCD is now enhancement of the management system. “OCD’s quest for performance excellence has been tough since the organization performs functions relative to ISO 9001:2015 certified disaster risk reduction and management. When a disaster occurs, the whole OCD and the scheduled activities are affected. It became tougher when the country was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the OCD saw By: Samantha C. Tebrio this not as a challenge, but an opportunity to review its internal processes, enhance its systems, “I commend team OCD for joining the ranks of ISO certified bureaus under the flagship of the and improve its way of performing its task to department. The ISO-certified QMS of the OCD covers not only one but all its processes at administer a comprehensive national civil defense and the central office and three pilot regional offices. The QMS also harmonizes all other systems DRRM program.” he said. such as performance management.” said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana represented by Undersecretary Cardozo Luna during awarding of ISO 9001:2015 certificate to the Office of Civil The certification has a three-validity. Surveillance audits will be Defense on February 16, 2021 at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council conducted on the 2nd and 3rd year after receiving the certificate. Operations Center.

The OCD received the ISO 9001:2015 certification from TUV Rheinland Philippines, Inc., an independent third-party test organization, after passing the two stages of certification audits.

ISO certification is an approval given to the organization after meeting theinternational standard for a quality management system.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the OCD pushed through the institutionalization of Total Quality Management System (TQMS). Training courses and workshops were launched for OCD employees with the assistance from the Development Academy of the Philippines under the Government Quality Management Program (GQMP).

OCD employees were provided with basic orientation on ISO, trainings and workshops on QMS requirements and documentation, process streamlining, ISO guidelines on auditing management systems, and root cause analysis and corrective action, process mapping and risk-based quality planning, QMS documentation, auditing quality management system as well as technical guidance on the enhancement of operational controls and procedures and QMS implementation.

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Undersecretary Ricardo B. Jalad briefs President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the Cabinet on the efforts to assist communities affected by Severe Tropical Storm Auring during a virtual conference on February 22, 2021.

Office of Civil Defense officials and heads meet The Office of Civil Defense and National Disaster in the Senior Leaders’ Conference to discuss Risk Reduction and Management Council are launch accomplishments, programs-review, the revised the Civil Defense PH Viber community for the public NDRRM Plan 2020-2030; the Agreement on Disaster as part of strengthening information dissemination Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) on disaster, advisories, and DRRM programs and Work Programme 2021-2025; and concerns on activities. To join, scan the QR code on the photo. COVID-19 response on February 15, 2021.

The Office of Civil Defense conducts trainings on Gawad Kalasag (GK) Guidelines for 2021, related policy issuances, and toolkit for regional validation and selection committees on February 4, 5, and 8, 2021. The activity was attended by 270 participants from OCD regional offices and regional DRRM Council member agencies. In preparation for the typhoon season The Disaster Response and Early Recovery Pillar member agencies of the HERE ARE THE THINGS THAT National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on March 30, YOU SHOULD KNOW! 2021 met to discuss the action plans in ensuring that services and support are provided to disaster affected population. Updates on various response and early recovery activities, implementation of the NDRRM Plan 2020 to 2030, timeline for the thematic pillar action planning, as well as key actors and their respective roles and responsibilities in the accomplishment of specified outcomes, outputs, and activities were tackled.

Philippine Disaster Managers join the 16th ASEAN Defense Minister’s Meeting – Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (ADMM-Plus EWG on HADR) on April 28 to 29, 2021 chaired by Indonesia and India via video The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in its teleconference. The Philippine delegation is composed of efforts to provide the public a wide range of disaster information, has representatives from the Office of Civil Defense, Armed Forces of launched a monitoring dashboard which provides details of hazards the Philippines, and Department of National Defense, headed by and events from warning agencies such as Philippine Atmospheric, OCD Operations Service Director Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV. Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The NDRRMC dashboard provides advisories on earthquake, tsunami, The National Disaster Risk volcano, rainfall, general flood, gale warning, severe weather bulletin, Reduction and Management and incidents monitored. Council holds Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting on April 17, The public may access the dashboard at https://monitoring-dashboard. 2021, to reinforce preparedness ndrrmc.gov.ph/. for Typhoon “BISING.

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the possible impacts of Severe Tropical Storm “Surigae” in a pre-disaster risk assessment ACROSS THE NATION (PDRA) meeting on April 15, 2021. Members of the RDRRMC Bicol response agencies and the Provincial DRRM Officers (PDRRMOs) presented their preparedness plans and activities for the weather disturbance.

Office of Civil Defense Regional Director and RDRRMC Chair Claudio L Yucot reminded the response agencies and PDRRMOs to closely monitor the movement of STS “Surigae” and perform necessary measures for the safety of communities. Region 4B - Mimaropa RDRRMC Bicol issued guidance to response OCD MIMAROPA activates agencies, provincial and local DRRM councils for preparedness along with COVID-19 Virtual EOC for TS Auring related measures. By: Efril F. Maranan

The Office of Civil Defense MIMAROPA on February 20, 2021 activated the virtual Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for Tropical Cyclone Auring, joined by the core member agencies of the Regional Response Region 2 - Cagayan Valley Cluster and the region’s Provincial and City Region 1 - Ilocos Region DRRM Offices.

Cagayan Valley prepares for The regional virtual EOC was established OCD Ilocos Region holds CapDev COVID-19 vaccine rollout to ensure faster coordination and close Region 4A - Calabarzon to partners in 2021 1st Sem By: Francis Joseph M. Reyes Region 3 - Central Luzon monitoring of the situation and incidents By: Empress J. Nacor relative to TC Auring. The Department of Health and Office of Civil OCD CALABARZON spearheads The Office of Civil Defense Regional Office Defense Cagayan Valley on March 5, 2021 led OCD III trains RDRRMC members Taal eruption TTX anew The virtual EOC will be activated as the need 1 (OCDRO1) extended technical assistance the simulation exercises in preparation for on PSCP By: Alex Czar Masiglat arises in anticipation of the effects of the to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of the arrival of the CoronaVac, the COVID-19 By: Francesca T. Quizon rainy season starting July. Alaminos City, Pangasinan and the Philippine vaccine developed by the Sinovac Biotech, at The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Region 6 - Western Visayas Red Cross (PRC) in the conduct of training in the Tuguegarao City airport. The Office of Civil Defense Region III and Management Council (RDRRMC) February and March 2021. conducted a Six-Day Public Service CALABARZON through the Office of Civil OCD2 Regional Director Harold Cabreros Continuity Planning (PSCP) Training Course Defense (OCD) CALABARZON conducted OCD Western Visayas leads OCDRO1 through the Capacity Building discussed the protocols during the arrival of through blended learning for the Regional the second leg of the Tabletop Exercise transport of COVID-19 vaccines and Training Section collaborated with 20,000 doses of vaccine up to the delivery Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (TTX) for the Taal Volcano eruption via video to Iloilo City hospitals PRC and the German Red Cross in the to the DOH’s cold storage facility. The Council (RDRRMC) Member Agencies of teleconference on March 17, 2021. By: Cindy B Ferrer “Empowering the Philippine Institutions Food and Drug Administration with officials Central Luzon on 17 to 22 May 2021. and Communities in Disaster Risk Reduction from the Regional Vaccination Task Force The exercise focused on evacuation The Office of Civil Defense Western Visayas, and Management” (EPIC DRRM) Project, a inspected the cargoes. The training highlighted internal capacities, particularly the operationalization of Camp chair of the Regional Task Force and head of three-day Community-Based Disaster Risk recovery requirements, and strategies Coordination and Camp Management the Cold Chain and Logistics of the Regional Reduction and Management (CBDRRM) The vaccines will be distributed to six priority towards the continuous delivery of public measures, activation of incident Vaccination Operations Center (RVOC) led Training on February 22-25, 2021 at C&A hospitals in Cagayan Region namely the service during an emergency or disaster. management teams and response clusters, the transportation of 18 boxes of Sinovac Paradiso Beach Resort, Aringay, La Union. Cagayan Valley Medical Center, Region 2 resource mobilization and augmentation vaccines for Iloilo City on March 5, 2021. This was participated in by 143 volunteers. Trauma Medical Center, Southern Isabela The trainers and facilitators from OCD and donations management. Exercise players This is the first ever shipment of COVID-19 Medical Center, Batanes General Hospital, Regions II, III, VI and the Department from the regional down to the local level vaccines in the region via Philippine Airlines OCDRO1 also joined the Tabletop Exercise Tuguegarao People’s General Hospital and of Health (DOH) – Health Emergency responded to guide questions accompanied Flight 2141 from Manila which arrived at the (TTX) on March 10, 2021 at Rosebowl Regional Health Service 2 Hospital. Management Bureau (HEMB) imparted by specific scenarios. Iloilo International Airport. Steakhouse and Restaurant, Pagdalagan Sur, knowledge to the PSCP training participants. Region 5 - Bicol Region Bauang, La Union in response to the request Health workers and other frontliners will In his message, OCD III Regional Director The exercise aims to test existing policies, The 18 boxes of vaccines are composed of of the PRC-La Union Chapter. The activity be prioritized for inoculation. Vaccination is Cesar M. Idio, CESE, underscored the plans and protocols in order to identify gaps 10,580 doses of Sinovac intended for the tested the coherence of the San Fernando targeted to be conducted on March 7, 2021. importance of PSCP to the challenges that will serve as basis for improvement RDRRMC Bicol holds PDRA for four referral hospitals in Iloilo City namely, City’s Contingency Plan for typhoons. Protocols and other guidelines were brought about by natural or human- of the mechanisms employed in disaster STS Surigae Western Visayas Medical Center; St.Paul’s discussed and clarified prior to the arrival induced hazards and highlighted the specific response. By: Gremil Alexis A Naz and Ronna Faith M Hospital; Iloilo Doctors Hospital and West OCDRO1 also assisted the LGU Alaminos of the said vaccines up to the delivery of objectives of the training course that can Monzon Visayas State University Medical Center. in the conduct of the city’s Public Service the same to the DOH cold storage facility. guide each agency or institution to continue Scenarios were mostly based on the Aside from the vaccines that arrived in Iloilo Continuity Plan (PSCP) Orientation and OCD Cagayan Valley is the lead of the Task to deliver its essential functions regardless of experience during the 2020 Taal Volcano The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and City, Bacolod City also received its first batch Writeshop on March 8 to 10, 2021. Group Vaccine Cold Chain and Logistics any circumstances. eruption. The first TTX was conducted in the Management Council Bicol met to discuss of vaccines for medical frontliners in various Management. last week of February. referral hospitals.

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EVCHD) in partnership with the Regional OCD IX distributed hygiene kits, blankets, Task Force (RTF) VIII headed by the Office of washable face masks, family kits and Civil Defense (OCD) VIII and other support shelter repair tools to the fire victims at agencies conducted the first COVID-19 the distribution point: Western Mindanao vaccination in the region on March 5, 2021 at State University (WMSU) Gymnasium. the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center Other government agencies such as (EVRMC). the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, and Industry, Department of Labor and DOH Regional Director Exuperia Sabalberino, Employment, PhilHealth and Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Information Agency also extended aid to the Government Regional Director Karl Caesar affected families. Region 7 - Central Visayas Rimando and Assistant Regional Director Attorney Darwin Bibar, Philippine Information Uniformed personnel from the 547th Agency Regional Director Erlinda Olivia Tiu, Engineer “Agila” Battalion transported OCD 7 holds LDRRMP workshop Philippine National Police Regional Office and hauled the NFIs from OCD Region IX for Tubigon LGU VIII Regional Direction PBGEN Ronaldo F De Main Logistics Hub in Pagadian City to By: Rizajoy Altamarino-Hernandez Jesus; and OCD Regional Director Lord Byron Zamboanga City. Torrecarion, and DRRM Division Chief Rey Region 12 - SOCCSKSARGEN The Office of Civil Defense Central Visayas Gozon were also present during the event. As RDRRMC IX Chair and lead agency of the conducted a Local Disaster Risk Reduction Logistics Cluster of the RDRRMC, the OCD OCD XII supports DENR- and Management Planning Formulation The RTF VIII on February 11, 2021 and the IX remains steadfast in its commitment to Workshop for the Municipal DRMMC of Regional Vaccination Operations Center contribute to the “whole-of-government” SOCCSKARGEN’s environmental Tubigon, Bohol on April 12 to 14, 2021. (RVOC) conducted a Table-Top Exercise approach in alleviating the plight of the task force (TTX) on the activation of the COVID-19 people affected by disasters and calamities, Jorie Mae E. Balmediano The activity is pursuant to Republic Act Vaccination Immunization Program and and in strengthening resiliency through 10121, (Sec. 9) which mandates the review the establishment of the RVOC in Eastern various DRRM interventions. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XII and evaluation of the Local Disaster Visayas. This was followed by a simulation supports the Department of Environment Risk Reduction and Management Plans exercise on February 17, 2021. and Natural Resources (DENR) XII’s creation BARMM - Bangsamoro (LDRRMPs), to facilitate the integration of of an environmental task force in the region. Autonomous Region in Muslim disaster risk reduction measures into local OCD XII Regional Director Minda Cardos- Mindanao Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) Morante was one of the principal signatories and Comprehensive Land-Use Plan (CLUP). during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing on April 20, 2021 at 358 Returning Filipinos receive The workshop for the Tubigon LGU was part Greenstate Convention, Koronadal City. assistance from OCD-BARMM of the Phase II technical cooperation project By: Nyll Isaiah Tapia Disaster Risk Reduction and Management The director was joined by Department of Capacity Enhancement Project (DRRM-CEP) Environment and Natural Resources-12 A total of 358 Filipinos safely returned to of OCD and Japan International Cooperation Region 11 - Davao Region Regional Executive Director Attorney Felix the country on April 17, 2021 and received Agency (JICA). S. Alicer and heads and representatives assistance from the Office of Civil Defense - OCD XI holds workshop on Haze of partner Local Government Units and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim agencies for the creation of the Soccsksargen Mindanao (BARMM). This is the 8th batch of Hazard Preparedness Planning (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, returning Filipinos (REFS) that were assisted By: Angie Lina Payosalan Sarangani and Gensan) Environmental by the agency. Protection Task Force. The Office of Civil Defense XI conducted A humanitarian team onboard MV a workshop on the formulation of The task force will work for the advancement Antonia-I fetched the returning Filipinos preparedness plan for Haze Hazard via of ties between partner government agencies from Sandakan, Malaysia on April 16, 2021. Region 10 - Northern Mindanao blended learning on April 23, 2021. and Local Government Units in addressing They arrived safely in Zamboanga City environmental violations and issues as well International Seaport the following day. This was attended by 30 participants from OCD distributes relief to as to intensify efforts in environmental The repatriation efforts were led and RDDRMC XI Response Cluster member- protection. orchestrated by TGMROF (Task Group on COVID-19 facilities agencies. Region 9 - Zamboanga Peninsula the Management of Returning Overseas The Office of Civil Defense Northern The SOCCSKSARGEN Environmental Filipinos) involving various government The RDRRMC XI recognizes the significance Mindanao distributed food packs and Protection Task Force is composed by DENR; agencies including the Philippine Embassy in OCD IX distributes NFIs to fire of developing a comprehensive haze hygiene kits to the Local Government provincial governments of South Cotabato, Kuala Lumpur and Local Government Units victims in Zamboanga City preparedness plan to ensure preparedness Units of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat; (LGUs). By: Kimberly A. Amor of the population to the health and cross- Misamis Occidental on April 6 to 8, 2021 Department of Interior and Local Government sectoral impact of haze, particularly the most Region 8 - Eastern Visayas for distribution to quarantine and isolation (DILG); OCD; 6th and 10th Infantry Divisions OCD - BARMM and OCD Region IX provided The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) IX vulnerable sectors. facilitated the distribution of non-food items facilities in their respective areas. of the Philippine Army; Philippine National logistical support, transportation, provision Police; Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); PNP of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) Eastern Visayas begins COVID-19 (NFIs) to 411 families who were displaced Workshop participants were able to draw Areas of Malaybalay City, Valencia City, Maritime Group; Department of Agriculture to the Humanitarian Team, Non-Food due to a fire incident at Baliwasan Seaside, up preparedness measures and procedures vaccination Impasug-ong, Maramag, and San Fernando (DA); Department of Tourism (DOT); National Items (jerry cans and sleeping kits) and Brgy. Baliwasan, Zamboanga City that to be adopted in the event of a local and in Bukidon, Balo-I, Lala, Kapatagan, Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP); food packs to returning Filipinos as well transpired on March 20, 2021. transboundary haze in the region. This will As part of the implementation of the Kauswagan, Kolambugan, Maigo, Matungao, Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management as Incident Management Team members be followed by a separate convention for the Regional Vaccination Plan in the region, and Tubod in Lanao del Norte, and Bonifacio, Office for SOCSARGEN; Bureau of Customs and responders who conducted the Special the Department of Health Eastern Visayas Fire victims were housed at the Baliwasan finalization of the draft preparedness plan. Central School Covered Court. and Plaridel in Misamis Occidental received (BoC); and National Bureau of Investigation Handling Operations for the Returning Center for Health Development (DOH- the items. (NBI). Filipinos upon the arrival of the REFs.

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Gazette-Vol1-2021.indd 17-18 17/08/2021 1:50:13 PM The Office of Civil Defense Official Gazette 2021

Photo by fauxels from Pexels

Cordillera Administrative Region CARAGA Publisher Contributors Cordillera RDRRMC updates 88% of Caraga LGUs participate in the Regional Usec. Ricardo Jalad Rachelle Anne Miranda Regional DRRM Plan Gawad KALASAG Seal Empress Nacor Editor-in-Chief By: Ferdinand A. Tamulto By: April Rose Anne Y. Sanchez Francis Joseph Reyes Mark Cashean Timbal Francesca Quizon The Office of Civil Defense CAR, as the secretariat and executive A total of sixty-nine (69) LGUs or 88% out of seventy-eight (78) arm of the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Local Government Units in the region, and one (1) CSO participated Managing Editor Alex Czar Masiglat Management Council, led the review and updating of the Regional in the Regional Gawad KALASAG Seal and were evaluated by the Samantha Tebrio Efril Maranan DRRM Plan. Regional Selection Committee (RSC) for the GK Seal. Gremil Alexis A Naz A series of thematic workshops, webinars and meetings were In line with the mandatory implementation of this year’s Regional Layout Artist Ronna Faith M Monzon conducted from January to March 2021 to solicit inputs and Gawad KALASAG Seal for DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance, the Cindy Ferrer comments from different member-agencies and stakeholders. Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Ryan Jarome Legaspi (RDRRMC) through its RSC for Gawad KALASAG Seal for CY 2021 Rizajoy Altamarino-Hernandez The updated RDRRMP covers the 4 DRRM thematic areas with convened for the Desktop Evaluation of Entries on April 28 – 30, Photographers Kimberly Amor four major goals, 27 objectives, 27 outcomes, 55 outputs, and 204 2021 at the Residence Hall, Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City. Fred Abuda Jr. Angie Lina Payosalan activities to be implemented from 2021 to 2023. Armil Kaye Manding Jorie Mae Balmediano Ryan Jarome Legaspi Nyll Isaiah Tapia Nelson Paule Ferdinand Tamulto April Rose Anne Sanchez National Capital Region Editorial Assistants Karla Minorka Aldea Michelle Joy Mabbagu OCD NCR holds CBDRRM training for LDRRMOs Eleasha Mariano By: Karla Minorka M. Aldea Mitzi Ann Badua Forty (40) participants from different Local DRRM Offices in the National Capital Region completed the Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM) Training conducted from 12 to 15 April 2021 through blended learning.

The four-day training centered on the practical DRRM approaches that are applicable for communities before, during, and after disasters. Resource speakers were from Pasig City DRRMO, Pasay City DRRMO, University of Perpetual Help, and OCD NCR.

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