LDRRMO CONDUCTS A 2-DAY WORKSHOP TO UPDATE STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

SOP Update

On October 19^th and 20^th of 2023, the Office of Civil Defense Region 10 (OCD 10) conducted a 2-day workshop at the ABC Hall in Manolo Fortich to update the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) module.

The workshop was organized by the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) and saw the participation of key frontline teams, namely the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) and the Real Quality Rescue Team (RQRT). These teams play a pivotal role in disaster and emergency response operations.

The purpose of this update is to provide frontline responders with clear and efficient guidelines for executing their duties. The revised SOP ensures uniformity in their approach to prevent conflicts during operations. This manual will serve as a reference for significant decisions and actions, emphasizing a high standard of professionalism at all times. The initiative was spearheaded by former LDRRMO II, Ryan C. Ruiz, who identified the need for standardized operations and improvements.

Resource speakers for the workshop were Chief Operation Marlyn O. Trozo and Glenn S. Lahayon from OCD Region 10. They shared their expertise and knowledge in cutting-edge strategies, protocols, and guidelines for disaster response and management. Antonio B. Sugarol, the Regional Director of OCD 10 and Chairperson of Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (RDRRMC) Northern Mindanao, also attended to oversee the workshop and provide guidance. He expressed his support for LDRRMO's efforts to update its standard operating procedures.

Day 1 of the workshop focused on Coordination and Feedback Mechanisms, which encompass communication flow, information dissemination, coordination, and the exchange of reports. It also covered activities related to disaster operations and preparedness, as well as administrative procedures. Day 2 delved into Operation Center (OpCen) Alert Conditions, Manning of the LDRRMOC, Raising and Downgrading of Alert Status in the LDRRM OpCen, and LDRRMC Meeting and Media Management.

Following the update, the specific roles and responsibilities of LDRRM personnel were clarified, and the implementation of the guidelines was refined. Some frontline workers were previously unaware of the existence of the SOP, and the workshop served to provide them with a much-needed understanding of its importance, particularly in terms of communication, coordination, and office management.

Vice Mayor Reynaldo Bagayas Jr., who is also the Chairperson on the Committee on Disaster Resilience, was also present at the workshop to emphasize the significance of updating the SOP. “Ang Manolo Fortich was recognized as one of the most competitive municipalities in the region. Karon mangita tag mga initiatives, mga paagi nga mahapsay ang atong proseso, nga mas effiecient ang pagpadagan sa atong serbisyo. Importante kaayo ning SOP kay mahimo siyag guide nga kung naa kay sitwasyon sa imong atubangan naa kay step-by-step nga process saimong buhaton.” Vice Mayor further stated that whenever he finds himself in a predicament where a solution is required, he always keeps in mind the three E's: Effectiveness, Efficiency, and whether the solution is Economical.

This update to the SOP represents a significant stride toward improving disaster response and management in Manolo Fortich. As one of the most competitive municipalities, it is imperative to maintain a well-defined and up-to-date SOP to ensure effective disaster preparedness and response.