On 5-6 February 2025, the UPOU Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (DRR-CCAM) Committee, in partnership with the UP Resilience Institute (UPRI), held a two-day workshop on Public Service Continuity Planning at the Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) at UPOU Headquarters.
The first day focused on discussions covering an Overview of Public Service Continuity Plans, Policy Building, Rapid Assessment, Hazard Identification, and Risk Assessment. In the afternoon, a fire drill was also conducted.
Dr. Joane Serrano, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) and Chair of the DRR-CCAM Committee, welcomed the participants and emphasized the workshop’s importance in preparing for disasters and ensuring the continuation of public service.
Mr. Jose Abraham C. Ongkiko, Chief Science Research Specialist of UPRI, presented the Overview of Public Service Continuity Plans. Mr. Franklin Joshua Gali, Junior Project Assistant of UPRI, discussed the Rapid Assessment of UPOU facilities. Ms. Jerzyne Anne Corpus, Junior Project Assistant of UPRI, led the discussion on Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
The second day featured discussions about the Incident Command System, facilitated by Mr. Ongkiko; the Emergency Communication Plan, facilitated by Mr. Maligalig; Activation and Deactivation Protocols, facilitated by Ms. Corpuz; and Basic Disaster Preparedness, facilitated by Mr. Ongkiko. A fire simulation was also conducted as part of the workshop to apply the lessons from the discussions.
Ms. Victoria Canape-Belegal, Chief Administrative Officer of the UPOU Campus Development and Maintenance Office (CDMO), delivered the closing remarks on behalf of Dr. Jean Saludadez, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, to conclude the two-day event.
This two-day workshop on Public Service Continuity Planning was crucial for UPOU, particularly given the university’s vulnerability to various hazards that can lead to disasters. By equipping UPOU personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement effective continuity plans, the workshop strengthens the university’s resilience and capacity to maintain essential services during and after disruptive events. This proactive approach to disaster preparedness is essential for UPOU to fulfill its mission and ensure the safety and well-being of its community, even in the face of adversity. The collaboration with UPRI further underscores UPOU’s commitment to leveraging expertise and resources to enhance its disaster resilience and improve the quality and effectiveness of its Public Service Continuity Plan.
Written by Zyrene Villanueva ♦ Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Photos by Anna Mhari Duria
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