By Engr. Jay B. Laurino Disaster responders from Quezon's 39 municipalities and two cities gather at the Alcala Sports Complex before th...
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| Disaster responders from Quezon's 39 municipalities and two cities gather at the Alcala Sports Complex before the province-wide DDRM Rescue Simulation Palarong Lahi marking National Disaster Resilience Month 2026. (Quezon PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — As climate-related hazards and other emergencies continue to test the capacity of local governments, disaster preparedness has become a critical pillar of public safety and national resilience. Reflecting that national priority, the Quezon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (QPDRRMC) on Tuesday conducted a province-wide DDRM Rescue Simulation Palarong Lahi in observance of National Disaster Resilience Month 2026.
Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils from across Quezon gathered at the Alcala Sports Complex for rescue simulations and operational challenges that tested emergency response capability. The program carried the national theme, "Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas," emphasizing preparedness as the foundation of safer and more resilient communities.
The rescue simulation reflects the government's continuing effort to strengthen local disaster response, where municipalities often provide the first assistance after disasters strike. Regular field exercises test emergency capability, expose operational gaps and improve coordination before responders face real emergencies.
Beyond the competition, participating municipalities exchanged rescue practices and operational experience while working through common emergency scenarios. The activity also strengthened coordination among local response teams that may need to work together during large-scale disasters.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Dr. Melchor P. Avenilla Jr. led the province-wide exercise, while Angelina 'Helen' Tan reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness across Quezon. She said the province continues to invest in responder training, emergency assets and inter-agency coordination as it prepares for increasingly complex weather-related emergencies.
Responders then moved into rescue scenarios designed to mirror emergencies they may encounter during actual disaster operations. Each scenario tested the teams' ability to coordinate rescue efforts, carry out emergency procedures under pressure and respond effectively to changing conditions.
Municipal disaster councils were evaluated on teamwork, endurance, technical rescue skills and decision-making throughout the simulations. The exercises also allowed participating teams to compare response practices, deepen cooperation among municipalities and learn from one another's field experience.
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