Regional Interoperability Simulation Exercise (RISE)

Concept note

Background:

The Philippines is known to be one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. It ranks 3rd
in the risk disaster index the year 2016 (source: UN University – Institute for Environment and
Human Security). Its geographic location makes it prone to several kinds of calamities. It has
experienced hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons. The impact of these
has caused several billions of pesos in damages. More so, these disasters are coupled with the loss
of human lives and development gains. Because of such, preparedness has been the focus of
interventions at the local level and one of the activities identified in the National Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Plan (NDRRMP) is the conduct of simulations as a tool to enhance disaster
preparedness.

In line with the priorities of the Philippine Government, WFP supported the NDRRMP though the
Disaster Preparedness and Response and Climate Change Adaptation Project (DPR/CCA), which
was launched in 2011 with generous support from USAID-OFDA. This project is being implemented
in close collaboration with DSWD, DILG and OCD. To date, it has supported 10 Provinces, 56
municipalities, 14 NGOs and 13 academic institutions.

To date, the DPR/CCA project is now on its Phase V with an overall goal of building resilience of
vulnerable communities, thus reducing the impact of natural disaster and climate change and
protecting lives and livelihoods and development gains.

Rationale:

WFP’s DPR/CCA Project in partnership with Government of the Philippines’ National Agencies lead
in disaster preparedness and response is currently supporting the mitigation and preparedness
initiatives of the local government. In compliance to the Department of Interior and Local
Government’s Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), the project identified critical capacity
building and planning activities. Part of these activities are formulation local contingency plans,
local risk reduction plans and institutionalizing systems and protocols. To further enhance the
quality of their plans and to test the current protocols of the local governments, the Office of Civil
Defense (OCD) expressed the need to conduct simulation exercises.

Objectives:

Regional Interoperability Simulation Exercise (RISE) aims to provide a realistic learning venue for
Regional Offices of DSWD, OCD, DILG, Provincial government and the municipalities to practice
their competencies, test their plans and use the protocols in place during an emergency. Specific
objectives are as follows:

1. Provide participants an appreciation of the interoperability of Incident Command System,

Cluster Coordination and Emergency Operation Center as indicated in the contingency
plans and LDRRMP
2. Assess the local and regional contingency plans and identify strengths and weaknesses
3. Validate capacities and protocols adapted by the local government and regional line
agencies
4. Highlight various stages of emergency response and present realistic scenario problems
encountered during emergency operations
5. Foster networks between government staff from different agencies, local government
offices and various humanitarian actors in the Philippines

World Food Programme-Philippines Telephone: +63 2 833 6229

17th Floor RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center (RSBCC) Fax: +63 2 823 1485
26th and 25th Streets, Bonifacio South
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
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Overall Output

Through a systematic and strategic approach and by building upon WFP’s current initiatives
and the lessons learned from it, the major output of this activity will be an enhanced
capacity of local disaster management offices for effective and efficient disaster
preparedness and response, improved interoperability of systems, protocols and structures of the
regional, provincial and municipal government.

Participant Selection Criteria

A maximum of thirteen (13) participants will be selected from the Provincial Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) members who:

1. Are adept at the Incident Management System, Cluster coordination and functions at these
structures.
2. Have relevant and appropriate experience during emergencies.
3. Are willing to work longer than the usual business hours for the duration of the simulation
exercises.

In addition, municipalities and relevant regional line agencies will be invited.

Personal safety of the participants is of the highest importance and relevant measures will be
undertaken.

Invited organizations/government offices shall submit a list of their nominated participants to WFP,
who in turn will interview the potential participants to determine their suitability to participate in
the exercise. WFP reserves the right to determine the final roster of participants. The invited
organizations shall also prepare a backup roster in case one of their selected participant cannot
attend due to personal emergencies.

Venue and Date

Regional Interoperability Simulation Exercise (RISE) shall be held at the Clark, Pampanga (Hotel
will be finalized) in Clark Zone Pampanga on the December 5-8 2017.

Administrative Arrangements

WFP will provide transportation from the Tuguegarao and Benguet to Clark to shuttle participants
to the venue. Participants will be provided food and accommodation (twin sharing) for the duration
of the training from December 5 – 8, 2017.

Schedule of Activities

Date Activities
December 5, 2017 Travel to the Venue
December 6, 2017 Regional Interoperability Simulation Exercises
Simulation proper
December 7, 2017 Continuation of the Simulation
Learnings and Recommendation
December 8, 2017 Travel back to the Provinces