IN NAGA CITY: OCD leads 5-day disaster preparedness training
- Bicolmail Web Admin
- Aug 30
- 2 min read
By Jason B. Neola
THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 5 is currently conducting a 5-day disaster preparedness training for employees and department heads of the city government of Naga.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to build a disaster-resilient city and aligns closely with Mayor Leni G. Robredo’s 2028 “Finish Lines” — a set of governance goals that include comprehensive disaster preparedness and inclusive safety for all sectors.
Requested by Mayor Robredo herself, the training is a key component of the Incident Command System (ICS) operations. It is designed to equip city employees and officials with the skills and knowledge to organize and lead standardized disaster response drills and simulation exercises that meet OCD standards.
Renne Gumba, executive director of the city government’s Public Safety Office, said the training allows participants to gain first-hand expertise that will guide them in planning and executing future disaster simulations.
“This ensures that all activities are compliant with national standards and contribute directly to the city’s preparedness targets under the Mayor’s 2028 Finish Lines,” Gumba said.
An important aspect of the training is teaching participants how to conduct single-hazard drills — such as separate exercises for earthquakes, fires, or typhoons — to avoid confusion and improve the focus and effectiveness of each simulation. “When drills are conducted one at a time, we can better evaluate and improve our responses,” Gumba added.
The training also introduces OCD-approved templates and protocols to help city offices clearly define their roles during disaster scenarios. After the training concludes on August 29, participating offices are expected to design their own training programs for simulations and exercises, contributing to a city-wide preparedness framework.
As part of a whole-of-community approach, Gumba noted that a similar training will soon be offered to private sector stakeholders and development partners. “Everyone has a role in disaster preparedness, and our business community must also be on board to achieve the mayor’s Finish Lines,” he said.
Mayor Robredo’s 2028 Finish Lines highlight disaster readiness as a core priority, aiming to institutionalize effective emergency response systems, ensure inclusive and coordinated action, and establish Naga City as a model for local resilience across the Philippines.
“This training is more than just compliance,” Gumba concluded. “It is a major step toward fulfilling a vision — one where no one is left behind in times of disaster.”
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