By Tara Kristine M. Zapata
PASIG CITY — The PMDC in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has conducted a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Course for Public Sector held on April 28 – 30, 2025 at the PMDC Manila Office attended by participants from the Head Office comprising of employees from the Offices of the Vice-President for Operations and Corporate Service, Legal Department, HR and Administration Department, Project Management Department and Finance and Accounting Department.
On the first session day, the topics include Module 1: Introduction to the Philippine DRRM System with speaker Ms. Edna I. Conda from the Office of Civil Defense followed by Module 2: Understanding Hazards “Hydrometeorological Hazard” with speaker Engr. Lorenzo A. Moron from PAGASA, “Geological Hazards” with speaker Mr. Jeffrey Perez from PHIVOLCS, and “Rain-Induced Landslides and Subsidence” with speaker Mr. Ross Dominic Agot from MGB.
On the second session day, the following were discussed Module 3: Organizing Disaster Control Groups using Incident Command System with speaker Mr. Brian Wong from the DRRMO, followed by Module 4: Ensuring Safety in the Workplace with speakers SFO4 Rei Kristian B. Cuevas and FO3 Jomel D. Llanza from the Bureau of Fire Protection, and PLT Venerando Vizarra from the Philippine National Police. Module 5: Introduction to Public Service Continuity Planning was also conducted by speaker Ms. Alyanna V. Leano.
On the last session day, topics include Module 6: Evacuation Drill with speaker Mr. Arnel Abrera from DRRMO. A simulation drill was conducted in the office premises and outside the floor hallway of Tektite Towers Building. The last topic was Module 7: DRRM Application by OCD speaker Ms. Edna I. Conda.
Highlights include the Philippine Disaster Risk Profile, Four DRRM Thematic Areas, the different natural hazards that exist in the country and the underlying factors leading to the occurrence of disasters, organizing the Disaster Control Group and using the Incident Command System, the roles to be undertaken by the public sector employees to build a culture of safety and resiliency in the government service, Public Service Continuity Planning and the Evacuation Drill.