In line with ongoing efforts to beef up its disaster response capabilities, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Sunday night announced that the Canadian government, through its Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), provided a five-day training and exchange in specialized response techniques.

OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, in a statement forwarded to reporters, said the training focused on the agency’s “Rapid Deployment Team” (RDT) whose members were given foundational knowledge in various critical areas, including collapsed structure search and rescue, water search and rescue, high-angle rescue, forest fire rescue, and rapid deployment tactics.

“Conducted from Jan. 27 to 31, 2025 at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, the program also integrated medical emergency management components to provide a comprehensive approach to disaster response,” he added.

Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, David Hartman, attended the first day of this training along with Nepomuceno and other government officials. The OCD chief expressed his gratitude to Hartman, and the Canadian instructors for providing this valuable learning opportunity which is expected to advance the Philippines’ disaster response capabilities to internationally recognized standards.

Nepomuceno said this initiative is viewed as a vital step toward the Philippines achieving international certification under the International Search and Rescue Group (INSARAG).

During the five-day training exchange, the Canadian DART shared valuable insights from their experiences in wildfire deployments, notably the recent California wildfires, which have claimed 29 lives.

The Canadian DART expressed its readiness to assist the Philippines in major forest fire incidents, particularly following the recent grass fire that devastated 287 hectares in Carasi, Ilocos Norte, on January 30. The fire was brought under control the following day through the collaborative efforts of local authorities, including the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Air Force.

Meanwhile, the OCD RDT highlighted its effective water filtration and treatment approach, which has proven essential in evacuation centers during typhoons.

These systems are designed to process ground and pump water, as well as floodwater, effectively eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, ensuring safe water for use and consumption.

This learning exchange marks the first of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the competencies of the OCD RDT.

The second phase is planned in Canada this April, offering advanced training and exposure to the Canadian disaster response system. (PNA)