The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-6) has activated its emergency coordination mechanisms to safeguard delegates and participants for the upcoming ASEAN 2026-related events in Western Visayas.
The move was announced during a meeting of the Site Task Group on Emergency Preparedness and Response (STGEPR) on February 2, presided over by RDRRMC-6 Chairperson and OCD Western Visayas Regional Director Raul Fernandez.
Fernandez emphasized the importance of seamless inter-agency coordination to ensure operational readiness across the region.
“I know we can do this because we have previous experience; we have the capability. What we really need is constant coordination. We have to establish that system for us to be effective,” he said.
Earlier this year, Fernandez issued RDRRMC Memorandum No. 02, Series of 2026, officially constituting the ASEAN ‘Iloilo’ and ‘Boracay’ STGEPR-Regional Incident Management Teams (RIMT).
The teams are tasked with managing high-level contingencies through a unified command system, covering both the regional capital and the premier tourist destination.
During the meeting, OCD 6 DRRM Division and Operations Section Chief, lawyer Melissa Banias, outlined the responsibilities of member agencies, including Search and Rescue (SAR) units for land and water emergencies, medical teams deployed by the Department of Health, aviation support from the Philippine Air Force, and enhanced telecommunications protocols to maintain real-time coordination.
The STGEPR is also working closely with the Iloilo City Government’s DRRM Office to synchronize local resources with the regional deployment plan.
Member agencies were instructed to submit finalized deployment schedules and designate focal persons to ensure 24/7 coordination throughout the ASEAN events.
Fernandez noted that lessons from previous ASEAN ministerial meetings hosted in Western Visayas in 2017 have guided the planning for 2026, ensuring that emergency systems are tested and robust.
“The safety of delegates and the public is our top priority. Every unit, from SAR to medical and communication teams, is ready to respond if needed,” Fernandez said, underscoring the region’s commitment to hosting a safe and secure ASEAN event.IMT
