The Civil Defense

GAZETTE

Vol III
2

Issue 3
1

PH HOSTS SENIOR DISASTER

MANAGERS MEET IN ILOILO
UNISDR
Chief
Visits PH

PH Promotes
Disaster
Consciousness

NDRRMC Tests
Readiness for
the Big One

The CIVIL DEFENSE

GAZETTE
Ofcial Publication of
OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE

USEC ALEXANDER P PAMA

Publisher
DIR ROMEO F FAJARDO
DIR LIZA FIDELIS F CAADA
Advisory Board
ROMINA B MARASIGAN
Editor-in-Chief
SUSANA G JUANGCO
SUSAN E QUIAMBAO
Associate Editors
NOEL H MAPALO
MARK CASHEAN E TIMBAL
KARLA MINORKA M ALDEA
Staff Writers
ADELUISA E KAWAHARASAKI
Graphic Artist

Editors Note
In an era of rapid change, resilience is the key. The approach
to economic growth for it to be inclusive and meaningful
must focus on making communities empowered, resilient
and sustainable. This is the focus of the Asia-Pacic
Economic Cooperations (APEC) gathering for the 9th
Senior Disaster Management Ofcials Forum in Iloilo City.
The Forums endorsement of the APEC Disaster Risk
Reduction (DRR) Framework to the Economic Leaders is
a step forward in further strengthening DRR in the region,
and also support the theme for the Philippines hosting
of APEC 2015, Building Inclusive Economies, Building a
Better World.
Investing in DRR to build economic resilience will mitigate
businesses and industries against the adverse effects
of hazards and disasters. This in turn will translate to
continuous economic gain that will benet the people.
The Ofce of Civil Defense as the primary agency tasked
with administration of DRRM in the country, must worked
closely with both local and international stakeholders in
ensuring that community resilience is strengthened and
that peoples lives and livelihood are protected.

FRED A ABUDA JR
Photographer
TASHUANA ALEMANIA
REY EZEKIEL BARBASA
FRANZES IVY CARASI
KAREN ROSE CIMENI
MC ADRIAN NOUVE COBERO
JENNIFER CORACERO
DIANE HENIE DEL ROSARIO
JEFFERSON BENEDICT ESTALILLA
MONALISA FAJARDO
EMPRESS JARAMILLO
GILMHAR LAO
RACHELLE ANNE MIRANDA
CHERRY MAE NARANJO
JONA ORPILLA
KORNESSA PARAS
HAYDEE REYES
APRIL ROSE ANNE SANCHEZ
TITUS VELEZ
DAN MICHAEL VILLAMIL
Contributors
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
Ofce of Civil Defense
Department of National Defense
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo
Quezon City
Email us at ocdpao@gmail.com
Call us at (02) 961 6314

Contents
PH Hosts Disaster Ofcials Forum

The APEC Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction

UNISDR Head Visits PH

PH Observes Disaster Consciousness Month

One ASEAN, One Response

NDRRMC Leads Nationwide Drill on Earthquake

NDRRMC Tests Response Plan for the Big One

Civil Defense Across The Nation

12

Central Ofce Events

18

Awareness and Preparedness

19

PH HOSTS APEC SENIOR DISASTER

MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS FORUM IN ILOILO
by Noel Mapalo

The Asia-Pacic region accounts

for over 70 percent of the worlds
natural disasters, with scientists
warning that the intensity and
frequency of disasters in the
region will increase in the
coming decades, exacerbated
by uncontrolled urbanization,
poor land-use management, and
climate change.
To address this new normal, the
Philippines through the National
Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (NDRRMC)
and the Ofce of Civil Defense
(OCD) hosted the 9th Senior
Disaster Management Ofcials
Forum (SDMOF) of the 2015 AsiaPacic Economic Forum (APEC) on
22-23 September 2015 at the Iloilo
Convention Center in Iloilo City.
In their messages to the delegates,
the guests voiced the importance
and need to further strengthen

disaster risk reduction efforts in

the region. 9th SDMOF theme
Whole-of-Economy Approach: A
Paradigm Shift to Adapt to the New
Normal recognizes the fact that
climate change does not recognize
boundaries, political or economic
afliations.

The prevailing conditions all over

the world demand that we give
this not only special concern and
attention, but make it a priority,
said Iloilo Province Governor Arthur
Defensor Sr. who welcomed the
delegates in the province and in
Iloilo City.

NDRRMC Chair and Secretary

of National Defense Honorable
Voltaire T. Gazmin in his keynote
address
during
the
opening
program, reiterated the proposal
to elevate disaster risk reduction
issues to a much higher-level policy
dialogue.

Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda,

UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
Champion for Asia-Pacic region, put
emphasis on the need to strengthen
inter-economy
cooperation
in
dealing with disasters.

Currently, with the emerging

concept of the new normal, we
need a more holistic, proactive,
multi-stakeholder
and
longertermed intervention, specically
to make our economies resilient
against disaster, Secretary Gazmin
further stated.

Disasters know no boundaries

or borders. As we make our
respective economies resilient and
sustainable, the whole region will
benet if we can support each other
through strengthened collaborative
Story continues on next page. . .
3

The APEC Disaster

Risk Reduction
Framework
by Joe Mar Perez

The
APEC
Disaster
Risk
Reduction Framework adopted
by the APEC Senior Disaster
Management Ofcials, serves as
one of the important deliverables
of the Philippines for its hosting
of the APEC. The aim of the
Framework is to achieve Adaptive
and disaster-resilient Asia-Pacic
economies towards inclusive and
sustainable development in the
face of the new normal - the
increasing frequency, magnitude
and scope of disasters, and
the resultant disruption on the
increasingly
integrated
and
interlinked production and supply
chains.
The APEC DRR Framework
consists of four interoperable
and mutually reinforcing pillars,
namely: Prevention and Mitigation,
Preparedness, Response, and
Rehabilitation and Build Back
Better. These pillars correspond to
the four elements vital for ensuring
achievement of the overall aim.

PH Hosts APEC . . .
research,
technology
transfer,
capacity building and knowledge
sharing, Legarda said in her
message read by Climate Change
Commissioner
Emmanuel
De
Guzman.
The forum served as venue for the
discussion of various DRRM topics
and the sharing of best practices
of the various member-economies.
Specialist topics were presented by
subject matter experts on DRRM
hailing from international DRR
agencies.
The 9th SDMOF also deliberated
on the adoption of Disaster Risk
Reduction Framework: APEC
Strategy to Building Adaptive and
Disaster-Resilient
Economies.
The Framework will be endorsed to
the APEC Economic Leaders who
will meet in Manila on November.
During the concluding session, 9th
SDMOF Chair and Civil Defense

Administrator
Undersecretary
Alexander P. Pama, expressed his
gratitude to all the delegates and
guests for attending and actively
participating in the sessions and
dialogues. He cited the importance
of adopting the framework in building
adaptive and resilient economies.
Adopting
this
framework
is
our move to help translate into
concrete action what our Leaders
and Ministers have agreed on and
repeatedly articulated over the
years, said Undersecretary Pama.
Indeed, the 9th SDMOF marked
another great milestone in putting
forward
regional
cooperation
towards building disaster resilience
across Asia Pacic.
Building sustainable and resilient
communities is one of the priority
topics of the Philippines hosting of
APEC, under the theme Building
Inclusive Economies, Building a
Better World.

The APEC DRR Framework

shall work effectively within an
enabling environment anchored
on
Community
Participation,
Disaster
Risk
Governance,
Disaster
Risk
Financing,
Innovations on Science and
Technology, Critical Infrastructure
Resiliency, Ecological Integrity,
and Inclusiveness of Women and
Vulnerable Sectors.
To operationalize the APEC DRR
Framework, an Action Plan shall
be developed which will serve as
the implementation, monitoring
and evaluation tool to contribute
to the attainment of the common
disaster resiliency goals in APEC.
4

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary
Alexander P Pama presides the deliberations on the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperations Disaster Risk Reduction (APEC DRR) Framework during the
second day of the 9th Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum in Iloilo
City on 23 September 2015. The Framework will be endorsed to the APEC
Economic Leaders when they meet in Manila on November.

UNISDR HEAD VISITS THE PHILIPPINES

by Mina Marasigan

The Special Representative of the

Secretary General on Disaster
Risk Reduction and Head of the
UN International Strategy for
Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), Ms
Margareta Wahlstrom visited the
Philippines on 13-15 September
2015.
Ms Walhstrom visited and met with
the local chief executives of the
Municipalities of Tanauan, Palo
and Javier, including Tacloban City
in the Province of Leyte to view
the reconstruction projects in the
Haiyan stricken communities on 14
September 2015.
Ms Wahlstrom also attended
the
dialogue on Implementing
the Sendai Framework for
Resilient Development, which
aims to increase the commitment
of policy and decision makers to

UNISDR Chief Margareta Wahlstrom with National Disaster Risk Reduction

and Management Council Vice Chair for Response and Social Welfare and
Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman visits the Transitional
Shelter in Barangay Cabalawan, Tacloban City on 14 September 2014.
the implementation of the Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction (SFDRR). The dialogue
was participated in by heads and
representatives of National Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management
Council
(NDRRMC)
member
agencies, as well as from the
legislature, the local government,
academe and the private sector.
The Philippines is committed to
undertake concrete steps to realize
the Priorities for Action in the Sendai
Framework. Its indicator system
would allow us to gauge our actual
progress and see how well we are
doing and the areas we can further
improve our DRRM undertakings

and programs, says NDRRMC

Executive Director and Ofce of
Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator
Undersecretary Alexander P Pama.
The NDRRMC and the OCD
recently piloted discussions on the
implementation of SFDRR, drawing
on the experiences and best
practices learned in implementing
the Hyogo Framework for Action
(HFA).
The SFDRR, the successor
framework to HFA, was adopted
by 187 Member States, including
the Philippines at the 3rd World
Conference on DRR held in March
2015.
5

PH OBSERVES NATIONAL DISASTER

CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH
by Karla Minorka Aldea

Pamilya at Pamayanang Handa,

Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bansa is
this years theme for the observance
of National Disaster Consciousness
Month (NDCM) every July. Various
DRRM stakeholders, government
agencies and local units, civil society
organizations,
private
sectors,
media and academe held activities
in celebration of the NDCM.
National Disaster Risk Reduction
and
Management
Council
(NDRRMC) Chair and National
Defense Secretary Voltaire T
Gazmin together with NDRRMC
Executive Director and Civil Defense
Administrator Usec Alexander P
Pama led the kick-off ceremony of
this years NDCM. Sec. Gazmin
delivered his message before the
civilian and military ofcials during
the Flag Raising Ceremony at the
Armed Forces of the Philippines
General Headquarters Canopy,
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo,
Quezon City on 29 June 2015.
On 10 August 1999, then President
Joseph Ejercito Estrada signed
Presidential Executive Order No.
137, designating the month of July
as National Disaster Consciousness
Month. This aims to increase the

Personnel
from
government
agencies join the kick-off ceremony
in Cagayan Sports Center in
Tuguegarao City.
6

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

Chair and Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T. Gazmin delivers
his keynote address during the Ceremonial Kick-off for the Observance
of National Disaster Consciuosness Month (NDCM) on 29 June 2015.
Executive Order No. 137 designates the month of July as NDCM to increase
the publics awareness on the threats of hazards and disasters.
awareness of every Filipino on the
threats of disasters for a better
appreciation of the governments
disaster preparedness programs.

which issued a memorandum

enjoining all ofces and schools to
conduct activities related to disaster
risk reduction.

Meanwhile, NDRRMC member

agencies facilitated several activities
in observance of the NDCM. One of
these is the Department of Education

On the other hand, OCD Regional

Ofces in cooperation with the
Regional DRRM Councils conducted
various capacity building trainings

Regional DRRMC officials show off

the rescue equipment to the media
during NDCM Exhibit and Media
Forum held in Baguio City.

A winner of Regional Inter-High

School Poster Making Contest
receives her prize in Cagayan de
Oro City.

PH Observes . . .
and simulation exercises. OCD I led
the conduct of Maging Handa Video
Making Contest. Among the 32
entries, ve winners were awarded.
Science of Identity Foundation, La
Union garnered the rst prize.
OCD III facilitated a ood drill in
Morong, Bataan on 14-17 July 2015
and tsunami drill in Iba, Zambales on
28-31 July 2015. OCD CAR, in line
with the commemoration of the 1990
earthquake, held a Rescue MARCH
(Mass Assembly for Rescue and
Care for Humanity) on 18 July 2015.
OCD IX led the conduct of Rapid
Damage Assessment and Needs
Analysis Training and Water Search
and Rescue Training. OCD CARAGA
facilitated the Regional Awarding of
the 2015 Gawad Kalasag Search
for Excellence in DRRM and
Humanitarian Assistance during the
NDCM culminating activity on 30
July 2015.
Other DRRM stakeholders also took
part in the observance of NDCM
such as the Polytechnic University
of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa.
Through its organized University
DRRM Council, the theme of the
universitys month-long NDCM
celebration,
PUPian
Handat
Nagkakaisa: Tutugon sa anumang
Sakuna was formulated. (With reports
from OCD Regional Offices)

Members of the Regional Selection

Committee award the Gawad
Kalasag to winners during NDCM
Culmination activity in Caraga.

One ASEAN, One Response

by Mina Marasigan

The National Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management
Council Ofce of Civil Defense
(NDRRMC-OCD) together with
the ASEAN Coordinating Centre
for Humanitarian Assistance
on
disaster
management
(AHA Centre) commence the
One ASEAN, One Response
Roadshow to be held on 11 13
August 2015 at the Manila Hotel,
Philippines. Gracing the event
are AHA Centres Executive
Director
Said
Faisal
and
NDRRMC Executive Director
and Civil Defense Administrator
Undersecretary Alexander P
Pama.
Participating on the rst day are
representatives from the AHA
Centre, NDRRMC member
agencies and the media. The
objectives of this event is to
familiarize the ASEAN Regional
Mechanism
on
Disaster
Management as well as to
socialize the One ASEAN, One
Response vision, where all the
ASEAN member States unite as
one, to respond to disasters within,
or outside the region.
One ASEAN, One Response
is the vision where ASEAN is
moving forward.
It envisions
unity and solidarity amongst ten

Member States. Therefore, we

would like to extend our deepest
appreciation for the continuous
support of all the ASEAN Member
States, which enable us further
on achieving One ASEAN, One
Response, said Mr Faisal in his
opening remarks.
Usec Pama says, We believe that
this roadshow will bring signicant
impact towards the understanding
of ASEANs framework on disaster
management and emergency
response. Moreover, we can also
understand how the AHA Centre
ts in the regional mechanism of
disaster management and how
the NDRRMC can fully utilize its
support on information sharing,
emergency response and also,
capacity-building programme for
our ofcials.
The
establishment
of
the
ASEAN Agreement on Disaster
Management and Emergency
Response (AADMER) in 2005
has become a strong commitment
from the ten ASEAN Member
States to become a stronger
region in responding to disaster.
As the operational organization of
the AADMER, the AHA Centre is
fully committed to realize the One
ASEAN, One Response vision.
7

NDRRMC LEADS NATIONWIDE DRILL FOR

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS
by Mark Cashean Timbal

Close to a million Filipinos

across the country participated
in the 3rd Quarter Nationwide
Simultaneous Earthquake Drill
conducted by the National
Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (NDRRMC)
on 23 July 2015, 9:00 AM.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in
Taguig City served as the main
ceremonial pilot venue of the drill.
Spearheaded by the Ofce of Civil
Defense (OCD) through its Regional
Ofce for the National Capital
Region (NCR) and in partnership
with other agencies, the drill is
meant to test the Local Government
Contingency plans as well as to

Students, teachers and school staff

gather at their designated evacuation
area during the Earthquake Drill
held in Baguio City.
8

highlight government capability in

responding to emergency situations
specically in the management of the
ICS, the evacuation of the affected
populace, with focus on the women,
children, elderly and persons with
disabilities, the establishment and
management of evacuation areas
and the provisioning of medical
assistance and relief.
The drill in the ceremonial venue
was overseen by NDRRMC
Chairperson and National Defense
Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin.
Also in attendance are NDRRMC
Executive Director and Civil
Defense
Administrator,
Usec
Alexander P. Pama, Dir. Renato U.

Hospital
personnel
evacuate
patients during the Earthquake
Drill held at the Veterans Regional
Hospital in Nueva Vizcaya.

Solidum Jr. of the Philippine Institute

of Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS)
Metro
Manila
Development Authority (MMDA)
Chairman, Atty. Francis Tolentino
and MMDA General Manager Usec
Corazon Jimenez as well as ofcials
of the Taguig City Government
headed by Mayor Laarni Cayetano
and the BGC Management Board.
Ofcials from Department of Interior
and Local Government, Department
of Health and Department of Social
Welfare and Development also
graced the event.
Sec Gazmin, in his message,
emphasized the importance of
continued vigilance and preparation
to be able to face the challenge
of any hazard. He also lauded the
synergy between the various key
players in the eld of disaster risk
reduction and management.
Ofces, schools and commercial
establishments across the nation
also participated in their local
earthquake drills spearheaded by the
Regional Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Councils and
local government units.

NDRRMC TESTS EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE

PLAN FOR THE BIG ONE IN METRO
by Noel Mapalo

National Disaster Risk Reduction

and
Management
Council
(NDRRMC) Chair and Secretary of
National Defense Voltaire T Gazmin,
and NDRRMC Executive Director
and Civil Defense Administrator
Undersecretary Alexander P Pama
led the conduct of the earthquake
simulation dubbed Metro Shake Drill
in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo
on 30 July 2015.
Joining Secretary Gazmin are the
Interior and Local Government
Secretary Mar Roxas, Social
Welfare and Development Secretary
Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Health
Secretary Janette Garin, and
Presidential Adviser on the Peace
Process Secretary Teresita Deles.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

Chair and Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T. Gazmin presides
over a mock emergency meeting during the simulation exercises for a 7.2
magnitude earthquake hitting Metro Manila on 30 July 2015 at the Armed
Forces of the Philippines Grandstand in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo.

The Metro Shake Drill, which was

primarily organized by Metropolitan
Manila Development Authority,
used a drill scenario derived from
the results of the Metro Manila
Earthquake
Impact
Reduction
Study (MMEIRS) conducted in 2004
and the GMMA READY Project in
2014, which details a magnitude 7.2
earthquake from the Valley Fault
System that may rock the metropolis
and the nearby provinces of
Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna.

At the national level, the drill aims

to test the interoperability of the
National Earthquake Response
Plan and MMDAs Oplan Yakal. The
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Grandstand served as National
Command and Control Center,
which will operate in case the
NDRRM Operations Center building
is damaged by the quake.
Emergency Operations Centers
were also organized in the four

These venues showcased the

establishment of Incident Command
System (ICS) facilities such as
an Incident Command Post with
Communications Center, staging
areas, helispots and eld hospitals.

OCD personnel set up a field

Operations Center which will function
in case the NDRRM Operations
Center Building is damaged.

An Air Force chopper takes off

to conduct mock Rapid Damage
Assessment Needs Analysis during
the Metro Shake Drill.

Emergency responders maneuver

their rescue boats in Marikina River
during the drill for a 7.2 magnitude
earthquake hitting Metro Manila.

primary staging areas, which

will attend to the needs in their
assigned areas or quadrant. Oplan
Yakal subdivides Metro Manila into
quadrants to ease coordination and
organize response.

Delegates and guests from Asia-Pacific economies pose with

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chair and
Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T Gazmin during the conduct
of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 9th Senior Disaster
Management Officials Forum in Iloilo City on 22-23 September 2015.

CIVIL DEFENSE ACROSS THE NATION

OCD I Conducts Tsunami Drill
Local Responders rescue a drowned sherman as part of
the Tsunami drill simulation exercise in Ilocos Sur on 23
July 2015. Participants who joined the Regional DRRM
Council of Region 1 were the residents, local responders
and uniformed personnel from the local community. (Mike
Aldrin T Sabado)

OCD II Holds Jingle Making Competition and Quiz Bee

Students showcase their talents during the jingle making
competition and quiz bee held in celebration of the National
Disaster Consciousness Month at the Department of
Education (DepEd) Region 2, Tuguegarao City on 31 July
2015. Participants were the secondary and elementary
students from the nine school divisions in Region 2. OCD
II facilitated the event in partnership with DepEd and other
Regional DRRM Council member agencies. (Dan Michael
Villamil)
OCD II Spearheads DRRM Caravan
Students perform the duck cover and hold technique in
participation to the DRRM Caravan conducted in Cagayan
State University on 30 July 2015. Among the other
discussions facilitated in the event were the DRRM System,
Earthquake Preparedness, Fire Safety, Crime Prevention,
Hydro-meteorological hazards and organization of the
School Disaster Management Committee. (Dan Michael
Villamil)

OCD III Facilitates Flood Drill

Members of the Philippine Army assist the children in
Brgy. Canaynayan, Sta. Cruz, Zambales in evacuating
during the Flood Drill conducted on 7-11 September
2015. Around 400 residents participated in the simulation
exercises which aims to provide ood-prone and
vulnerable communities ood preparedness guide and
to encourage the communities to establish a participative
response system in their barangay. (Haydee Reyes)
12

CIVIL DEFENSE ACROSS THE NATION

OCD CALABARZON Holds Basic ICS Training
OCD CALABARZON Regional Director Vicente F Tomazar
awards certicate of completion to Mayor Ping Reyes, one
of the participants of the Basic Incident Command System
Training held at Queen Margarette Hotel, Downtown,
Lucena City on 2-4 September 2015. (Jennifer Coracero)

OCD MIMAROPA Conducts Tsunami Drill

Residents in the coastal Barangays of Mogpog, Marinduque
exhibit the duck, cover and hold technique during
the Tsunami Drill held on 24 July 2015. The simulation
exercise aims to capacitate the residents of Mogpog in
case of disasters such as a tsunami. The activity was part
of OCD MIMAROPAs observance of the National Disaster
Consciousness Month every July. (Jona Orpilla)

OCD MIMAROPA Conducts Disaster Forum for High

School Students
Students engage in a discussion during the Disaster
Forum conducted for high school students in Calapan
City, Oriental Mindoro on 1 July 2015. Resource speakers
were representatives from PAGASA and PHIVOLCS.
They presented about the weather and geological hazards
and discussed disaster preparedness measures. (Jona
Orpilla)

OCD V Distributes DRR Tools

OCD V hands over DRR tools to Barangays in Sorsogon
City identied within the 4 kilometer to 6 kilometer
permanent danger zone of Mt. Bulusan on 1 July 2015.
Eighteen Barangays were provided with items for disaster
operations such as reectorized vest, hard hat helmet,
safety goggles, transfer radio and rechargeable ashlight.
(Rachelle Anne L Miranda)

13

CIVIL DEFENSE ACROSS THE NATION

OCD V Convenes DRRM Stakeholders on a Pledge for
Resilience
OCD V and RDRRMC Bicol together with DRRM
stakeholders undertake a signicant signing of pledge of
commitment as DRRM partners for resilience at the PRO5
Grandstand, Camp General Simeon Ola, Legazpi City on
01 July 2015. Two hundred eighty participants from the
17 regional government agencies and youth organizations
attended the kickoff ceremony. (Rachelle Anne L Miranda)

OCD VI Leads APEC STG on Emergency Preparedness

OCD VI Regional Director Rosario T Cabrera acts as Group
Commander of the Site Sub Task Group on Emergency
Preparedness and Response (SSTGEPR) for the APEC
meetings held in Iloilo City on 21-24 September 2015.
Members of the Regional Incident Management Team
(RIMT) were convened at Sarabia Manor Hotel, Iloilo City
as early as 15 September 2015. The SSTGEPR aims for
Zero Casualty with the help of the Regional DRRM Council
members. (Cherry Mae D Naranjo)
OCD VI Launches Pacic Partnership Activity
OCD VI in collaboration with the US Army and US Navy
facilitates the opening ceremony of the Pacic Partnership
Activities during the Flag Ceremony of the Province of
Capiz at the Provincial Capitol on 20 July 2015. Capiz
Governor, Victor Tanco together with OCD VI Regional
Director Rosario T Cabrera graced the event in line with
the celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness
Month. (Cherry Mae D Naranjo)

OCD VII Holds Rescue Olympics

Participants in the Rescue Olympics execute victim
handling and use of equipment in a water search and
rescue scenario in South Road Properties, Cebu City on
27-28 July 2015. The two day competition facilitated by
OCD VII aims to assess the strengths and capabilities
of the responders in addressing emergency situations.
(Tashuana Alemania)

14

CIVIL DEFENSE ACROSS THE NATION

OCD VII Conducts Integrated Planning Course on ICS
Participants from the Philippine Coast Guard discuss
during the Integrated Planning Course on Incident
Command System (ICS) at Quest Hotel, Cebu City on 1418 September 2015. OCD VII led the training which aims
to enhance the knowledge of the Local Responders on ICS
as a tool in disaster management. (Tashuana Alemania)

OCD VIII Holds Regional Rescue Jamboree

Emergency Responders of Region VIII demonstrate the
mountain Search and Rescue during the Regional Rescue
Jamboree at Camp Danao, Maasin City, Southern Leyte
on 20-25 July 2015. OCD VIII facilitated the activity in
partnership with the Provincial Government of Southern
Leyte and City Government of Maasin. The activity aims
to capacitate the Disaster Response Teams of Region 8 in
disaster and emergency response operations.

OCD X Conducts PDNA Training

One of the participants presents output during the ve-day
Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) Training for the
municipalities in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon held at
Haus Malibu, Malaybalay City on 7-11 September 2015.
Forty-one participants from both provinces attended the
training which aims to provide PDNA workshop as a tool
for disaster rehabilitation and recovery. (Titus Velez)

OCD XI Holds Integrated Planning Course on ICS

OCD XI Regional Director Liza R Mazo addresses
questions of participants during the open forum in the
Integrated Planning Course on Incident Command
System (ICS) held at Mergrande Ocean Resort, Davao
City on 28 September to 2 October 2015. Integrated
Planning Course is one of the four training courses in ICS
which aims to establish the Incident Management Team in
Davao Region. (Adrian Nouve Cobero)
15

CIVIL DEFENSE ACROSS THE NATION

OCD XI Holds RDANA Training of Trainers
Participants from the Provincial and City DRRM Councils
of Region XI pose during the three-day Rapid Damage
Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) Training of
Trainers at the Mergrande Ocean Resort, Davao City on
2-4 September 2015. The training aims to promote the
RDANA concept, including its operational and assessment
methodologies. (Adrian Nouve Cobero)

OCD CARAGA Holds Rescue Group Exercise

Local responders in Caraga assist a victim in one of the
scenarios during the Rescue Group Exercise conducted
in Butuan City on 1-5 July 2015. OCD CARAGA
spearheaded the event in line with the observance of the
National Disaster Consciousness Month every July. The
activity aims to capacitate the Local Responders of the
Region in search and rescue skills and competencies.
(April Ray Sanchez)

OCD CARAGA Facilitates DRRM Plan Formulation

Workshops
DRRM Ofcers discuss during a workshop on the
formulation of a DRRM Plan for the Municipality of
Carmen, Surigao del Sur on 11-13 August 2015. Thirty
participants from the various Regional DRRM Council
member agencies attended the workshop. The formulated
DRRM Plan contains strategic interventions which aim to
improve DRRM at the local level. (April Ray Sanchez)

OCD ARMM Holds WASAR Training

DRRM Partners and rst responders in ARMM demonstrate
their skills in Water Search and Rescue as part of the
training conducted at the Coast Guard Station, Jolo Sulu
on 7-11 September 2015. OCD ARMM spearheaded the
activity in cooperation with the Local Government Units of
Maimbung, Pangutaran and Jolo, Sulu. (Gilmhar A Lao)

16

CIVIL DEFENSE ACROSS THE NATION

OCD ARMM Distributes Hazard Signages
OCD ARMM Regional Director Myrna J Angot presents
hazard signage for ood and tsunami disasters to the
Municipality of Mamasapano on 13 August 2015. The Local
Government Units of Sultan sa Barongis, Rajah Buayan,
Datu Piang, Talitay and Kabuntalain in Maguindanao also
received hazard signage. These signages shall be placed
on roadside for information and warnign to the public
(Gilmhar A Lao)

OCD NCR Leads Coastal Cleanup Drive

OCD NCR in partnership with various government agencies,
civic organizations, volunteer individuals join forces for a
Coastal Cleanup Drive in Las Pias-Paraaque Critical
Habitat and Eco-tourism Area, Paraaque City on 25 July
2015. The cleaning would help mitigate pollution in the
area which affects public health, wildlife and economies.
It also advocates the importance of having clear coastal
areas for DRR. (Monalisa Fajardo & JB Estalilla)

OCD CAR and PAF Join Forces for K9 SAR Training

Handlers teach K9 dogs the elements of Search, Rescue
and Retrieval (SRR) Operations at the grounds of the
Philippine Air Force- Tactical Operations Group 1 (PAFTOG1), Loakan Airport, Baguio City during the weekends
of September. PAF TOG1 spearheaded the training in
collaboration with OCD CAR. It aims to train K9 dogs for
SRR operations in CAR. This shall reinforce the SRR
cluster, one of the cluster stipulated in the Regional
Disaster Response Plan. (Franzes Ivy Carasi)
OCD CAR Distributes Vegetable Seeds Assistance
OCD CAR Regional Director Andrew Alex Uy hands out
vegetable seed to Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan
at OCD CAR, Baguio City on 17 August 2015. The seed
assistance will benet 2,967 farmers in Benguet Province
who were affected by Typhoon Luis and Typhoon
Mario. Thousands of beneciary farmers from the other
provinces of CAR were also granted with the assistance
in cooperation with Department of Agriculture-Cordillera.
(Franzes Ivy Carasi)
17

CENTRAL OFFICE EVENTS

Participants from Civil Society Organziations pose with

OCD Administrator Usec Alexander P Pama during the
workshop on DRR-CCA on 2 July 2015.

Usec Alexander P Pama explains the deployment of

assets during the Tabletop Exercise on Earthquake and
Tsunami Preparedness on 28 July 2015.

National Defense College of the Philippines students

visit the NDRRM Operations Center for orientation on
Philippine DRRM System on 15 July 2015.

Participants and speakers pose for a photo during

the the Mainstreaming DRR-CCA into Development
Policies and Planning Workshop on 19 August 2015.

NDRRMC Chair and DND Secretary Voltaire T Gazmin

presides the meeting on preparations and actions taken
on Typhoon Ineng on 23 August 2015.

OCDEXO Liza Fidelis Caada addresses the audience

during the anniversary celebration of UNTV in SMX
Convention Center on 25 August 2015.
Photos by Fred Abuda Jr
Captions by Noel Mapalo

18

Awareness and Preparedness on

EARTHQUAKES
According to the Philippine Institute
of Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS),
the
country
experiences about 20 earthquakes
daily. Most of these earthquakes
however, are unfelt and can only be
detected by an instrument called a
seismograph. Always remember
these basic things to do before,
during and after a strong earthquake.
BEFORE
The key to effective disaster
prevention is planning:
Know the earthquake hazards in
your area.
Follow structural design and
engineering practices when
constructing a house or building.
Evaluate
the
structural
soundness of the buildings and
houses; strengthen or retrot if
necessary.
Prepare your house and workplace:
Strap or bolt heavy furnitures/
cabinets to the walls.
Check the stability of hanging
objects like ceiling fans and
chandeliers.
Breakable
items,
harmful
chemicals
and
ammable
materials should be stored in the
lowermost secured shelves.
Always turn off gas tanks when
not in use.
Familiarize yourself with the exit
routes and where re extinguishers
and rst aid kits are located. Learn
how to use them beforehand.
Prepare an emergency bag with
rst aid kit, ready-to-eat food, water,
clothing, blanket, battery-operated
radio, ashlights and extra batteries.
Conduct and participate in regular
earthquake drills.

DURING
Stay calm. When you are inside a
structurally sound building, stay
there and do the DUCK, COVER
and HOLD.
If possible quickly open the door
for exit.
Stay away from glass windows,
shelves, cabinets and other
heavy objects.
Beware of falling objects. Be
alert keep your eyes open.
Provide assistance to persons with
disabilities, children, pregnant and
elderly during evacuation.
If you are OUTSIDE, move to an
open area!
Stay
away
from
trees,
powerlines, posts, concrete
structures and steep slopes.
If you are near the shore and
felt a strong earthquake, move
quickly to higher grounds.
TSUNAMIS (giant sea waves)
may follow.

ALWAYS
ALERT
When an earthquake strikes
while youre at home, in a school
classroom or inside an ofce, do
the DUCK, COVER and HOLD!

DUCK under a sturdy desk,

table or furniture.

If there are no desks or tables,

drop on the oor and COVER
your head and neck with your
arms. Avoid staying close to
windows,
hanging
objects,
mirrors or tall furniture.

If you are in a moving vehicle, stop

and get out. Do not attempt to cross
bridges or yovers which may have
been damaged.
AFTER
Be prepared for aftershocks. Once
the shaking stops, take the fastest
and safest way out of the building.
DONT use elevators or re enter
damaged buildings.
CHECK yourself and others for
injuries. Check water and electrical
lines for damages. Check for spills
of chemical, toxic and ammable
materials.
If you need to evacuate, leave a
message stating where you are
going. Bring your emergency bag.

HOLD on to the table or

furniture. Hold the position until
the ground shaking stops and it
is safe to move and move to the
exit.
For more information and tips
on preparing for hazards and
disasters, download and watch the
Project DINA Videos
(Disaster Information for
Nationwide Awareness) from

www.ocd.gov.ph
For more information,
email us at ocdpao@gmail.com
or call us at (02) 961 6314

The Ofce of Civil Defense is a

Center for Excellence in
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.
The Ofce of Civil Defense
provides leadership in administering the countrys
comprehensive national civil defense and
disaster risk reduction and management program.

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo

Quezon City, Philippines
(+6302) 9115061 - 65
www.ocd.gov.ph