ILOILO City – Alarmed that only three local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas are currently capable of conducting collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) operations, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has issued a directive enjoining all LGUs and partner agencies in the region to immediately conduct CSSR training for their response teams.
The resolution was passed during the council’s 4th Quarter Full Meeting in Iloilo City on December 2, presided over by RDRRMC chairperson and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) regional director Raul Fernandez.
The council’s move comes after records showed that only Pavia, San Jose de Buenavista and the Province of Antique have so far equipped their responders with the critical skills required for collapsed-structure rescue.
WV “highly susceptible” to major hazards
Fernandez stressed that the lack of CSSR-trained responders poses a serious risk to public safety, especially in a region prone to earthquakes, typhoons, and structural collapses.
According to him, the region “is susceptible to various natural and human-induced hazards, including earthquakes, typhoons, and structural collapses, which necessitate enhanced preparedness, response capability, and technical proficiency.”
CSSR training, he emphasized, is essential in preventing additional casualties — both among victims and untrained responders — during earthquakes, major accidents, or other emergencies.
LGUs struggle with funding, equipment
RDRRMC noted that many LGUs have yet to conduct CSSR training due to funding constraints and the high cost of specialized equipment.
To address this gap, Fernandez said OCD Region 6 is ready to extend technical support. They have trained instructors and CSSR practitioners from national agencies who can conduct training, and the office is also prepared to lend equipment needed by LGUs.
Standardized Training
In its resolution, the council strongly urged LGUs and partner agencies to coordinate with OCD-6 for “facilitation, technical support, and standardization of training modules.”
The resolution further emphasized:
“Capacitating LGUs, emergency responders, uniformed services, volunteer organizations, and other partner agencies through CSSR Training will significantly improve the region’s readiness and ensure a more efficient and coordinated response during emergencies.”
It also underscored the importance of institutionalizing regular skills enhancement and ensuring all responders follow standard protocols aligned with national guidelines.
No Deadline, But ‘Urgent And Necessary’
Although no sanctions or timelines will be imposed on LGUs, Fernandez clarified that the council expects full cooperation.
He said they “encourage all” LGUs to undergo training because it is essential to ensure readiness in real emergencies.
Legal Mandate
The directive is anchored on Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, which requires the strengthening of LGU capacities and mandates proactive measures to reduce disaster vulnerabilities and protect life and property.
As Western Visayas remains at high risk for destructive earthquakes and extreme weather events, the RDRRMC stressed that the region cannot afford to have responders untrained in one of the most technical and life-saving emergency operations./PN
