Local disaster risk reduction and management officers (LDRRMOs) from various municipalities across Palawan are undergoing specialized training today, October 13, to strengthen the province’s response capabilities against hazardous material incidents.
The three-day training program, which runs from October 13 to 15, is part of the Hazardous Materials Resilience Forum and Workshop 2026, organized by Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) MIMAROPA Region, in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) National Headquarters and the League of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) Palawan.
A total of 102 participants from city and municipal disaster risk reduction and management offices across the province are attending the event.
Carrying the theme “Empowering Readiness Through Partnership, Securing Safer Tomorrow,” the workshop aims to equip local responders with practical knowledge and skills to effectively manage chemical and hazardous material threats in their respective areas.
The event was attended by key government and industry leaders, including MGB MIMAROPA Regional Director Felizardo A. Gacad Jr., CBNC Community Relations Manager Bernie A. Martinez, PDRRM Officer Jeremias Y. Alili, and FSupt Jude D. Sumag-ang, BFP Palawan.
During the morning sessions, participants were exposed to CBNC’s industrial safety protocols, practical field applications, and specialized lectures on hazardous material management discussed by Engr. Eduard Barut, Assistant Manager of CBNC’s Procurement and Logistics Department.
Environmental Management Bureau-Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR) Senior Environmental Management Specialist Leonora Francisco-Mansueto delivered a detailed presentation on hazardous waste management compliance. During the presentation, she outlined best practices for hazardous waste identification, labeling, and proper disposal, highlighting the critical role of local compliance in preventing environmental contamination.
Moreover, FSINP David R. Oting of the BFP National Headquarters’ Special Rescue Force talked about the various hazardous materials in the workplace that could trigger incidents, as well as the appropriate response procedures, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety during emergencies.
Meanwhile, the sessions on October 14 will focus on CBNC’s best practice on workers’ safety from hazardous materials, including proper safety practices and personal protective equipment (PPE). Representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will also lead a discussion on oil spill response from a maritime perspective.
