In its second week of observing the National Disaster Resilience Month 2026, the DILG-NCR held a series of workshops to develop its Emergency Response Protocols (ERPs) and update its Contingency Plan for Earthquake on July 14 and 15, 2026. The activity was spearheaded by DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, together with representatives from the four operating units at the Regional Office. 

In her opening message, Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV highlighted that as the regional arm of the Department, DILG-NCR occupies a critical space in Metro Manila’s governance structure by overseeing local government units, pushing for resilient communities, and monitoring regional disaster preparedness. ARD Baltazar-Cortez likewise stressed that leadership requires practicing exactly what we preach, noting that the regional headquarters cannot demand resilience from LGUs if it remains unprepared to handle a major crisis itself.

During the first day of the workshop, Program Manager Robin E. Lim from the DILG-CODIX gave an overview of the Emergency Response Plan and the Emergency Response Team. A clear distinction between a Public Service Continuity Plan and a Contingency Plan was discussed comprehensively; he also explained the difference between the Disaster Control Group and an Emergency Response Team. 

For the afternoon session, Atty. Crisanto C. Saruca, Jr., MNSA, Director IV of the Traffic Discipline Office and concurrently the Officer-in-Charge of the Metropolitan Public Safety Office and the Metro Manila Council Secretariat of the MMDA, shared their agency’s best practices in  Emergency Response Protocols, which may be adapted in the crafting of the DILG-NCR’s Emergency Response Protocols. 

In wrapping up the two-day activity, Civil Defense Officer IV Liezl A. Mendoza from OCD-NCR gave a discussion on the Formulation of a Contingency Plan for Earthquakes. She also facilitated a series of writeshops in updating the different forms needed for the Contingency Plan for Earthquakes crafted in March 2020. 

The two-day activity is in line with the Disaster Preparedness Thematic Pillar, ensuring that relevant plans are in place and that personnel are prepared should the worst-case scenario occur because of an earthquake. Relevant emergency response protocols are being finalized to give personnel a general protocol on how to handle emergencies. 

With these updated protocols and contingency plan in motion, DILG-NCR reinforces its commitment to leading by example. By cultivating a culture of preparedness within its own walls, the regional office ensures it remains a resilient, reliable, and responsive anchor for Metro Manila’s local government units, ready to protect both its personnel and the communities it serves when it matters most.