Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator, Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno, emphasized a transformative approach to emergency management during the recent Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) workshop on Whole-of-Society Resilience Building, Preparation, and Response. The event, held from March 4-6, 2025, at the Taipei Marriott Hotel, underscored the critical role of civilian involvement in enhancing national resilience.
“The main lesson from this workshop is the necessity of developing a robust civilian volunteer component, which acts as a vital force multiplier for our armed forces,” said Usec. Nepomuceno. He highlighted effective models observed in countries like Taiwan, Sweden, and Germany, where strong civilian participation significantly bolsters emergency response capabilities.
Day 1 of the workshop featured sessions on establishing societal consensus for Whole-of-Society Resilience, strengthening civilian defense training through shared international experiences, and exploring strategic material preparation and critical supply distribution in emergencies. On Day 2, discussions focused on protecting critical infrastructure, enhancing medical preparedness and shelter systems, and building resilience in information, transportation, and financial networks.
Throughout the event, officials from the Philippines, including Assistant Secretary Charlie Bathan, Assistant Secretary Jekereen Joy Casipit, Director Caesar Agnir, Jr., and Director Eugenio Gepte, Jr., engaged in enriching discussions. “We need to strengthen our own civilian response capabilities,” Nepomuceno added, pointing to the potential of the National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) as an alternative to traditional ROTC programs. “By boosting civilian engagement, we can better prepare for a range of incidents that may arise.”
The workshop culminated in a site visit to the National Fire Agency Training Centre in Nantou, where participants engaged in hands-on training demonstrations and technology exchanges related to firefighting and disaster prevention. “We must prepare not only for unforeseen events but also for human-induced calamities, such as CBRN—chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents,” he asserted, underscoring the need for comprehensive preparedness measures.
Usec. Nepomuceno expressed gratitude to the Taiwanese government and the co-organizing countries, stating, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the government of Taiwan and our partners from the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada. The insights and experiences shared in this workshop will greatly benefit the Philippines as we strive to enhance our overall resilience.”
This GCTF workshop provided a vital platform for fostering international collaboration and knowledge sharing, setting the stage for ongoing efforts to improve the Philippines’ emergency response strategies.
