The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region XII (DILG Dose) participated in the 2025 Regional Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) and Proficiency Test for Flooding, Landslides, and Vehicular Accidents at Carmen Ecopark, Barangay Liliongan, Carmen, Cotabato, on January 22, 2025. DILG Dose Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE, joined the event as Vice Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) XII.
The event heeded the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for strong collaboration among different stakeholders of the community towards effective disaster risk reduction and management in the Philippines. Its primary objective is to strengthen response mechanisms in SOCCSKSARGEN, particularly the capability and interoperability of Search and Rescue Teams (SRR) from local government units in Region XII and the operationalization of the region's Incident Command System (ICS).
Speaking to an audience of 200 emergency responders, LDRRMOs, local officials, and regional line agency representatives, RD Sero expressed the DILG’s full support for the event, emphasizing that the simulation exercise is integral to ensuring local and regional preparedness.
In her speech, she stated, "In 2024, we have seen our fair share of significant effects from hydro-meteorological hazards and how severe weather disturbances—Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel, and Pepito—battered different parts of the Philippines. While these weather events did not have severe effects in SOCCSKSARGEN, this does not mean we should be complacent. Now is the perfect time to ensure that we are adequately prepared." RD Sero further underscored in her message, "…now is the time to ensure that we are capable of responding to adverse situations. The time to ensure our capabilities are in place is not when we are in waist deep water but when sun is fully shining."
Initiated by the Office of Civil Defense XII, as the training arm of the RDRRMC XII, the SIMEX ran from January 22 to 24, 2025 with thirteen participating LGUs and National Government Agency representatives and evaluated by the teams from the Philippine Red Cross, Philippine Air Force, and Bureau of Fire Protection, IPHO Cotabato, and Philippine Army to apprise the participating teams of Land Navigation, Highline, Hailing, Victim Management & Transport, CPR, and Incident Command System standards.
