The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) underscored the critical role of civilian involvement in enhancing the country’s national resilience during a recent workshop in Taiwan.

OCD Administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized a transformative approach to emergency management during the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) workshop on Whole-of-Society Resilience Building, Preparation, and Response held from March 4 to 6 in Taipei.

“The main lesson from this workshop is the necessity of developing a robust civilian volunteer component, which acts as a vital force multiplier for our armed forces,” Nepomuceno said.

He highlighted effective models observed in countries like Taiwan, Sweden, and Germany, where strong civilian participation significantly bolsters emergency response capabilities.

The workshop featured sessions on establishing societal consensus for “whole-of-society resilience”, strengthening civilian defense training through shared international experiences, and exploring strategic material preparation and critical supply distribution in emergencies.

Participants also had discussions on protecting critical infrastructure, enhancing medical preparedness and shelter systems, and building resilience in information, transportation, and financial networks.

According to the civil defense chief, the workshop provided a vital platform for fostering international collaboration and knowledge sharing, setting the stage for ongoing efforts to improve the Philippines' emergency response strategies.

“We need to strengthen our own civilian response capabilities. By boosting civilian engagement, we can better prepare for a range of incidents that may arise,” Nepomuceno said, pointing to the potential of the National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) as an alternative to traditional Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs.

“We must prepare not only for unforeseen events but also for human-induced calamities, such as CBRN—chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents," he added.

The workshop culminated in a site visit to the National Fire Agency Training Centre in Nantou, where participants engaged in hands-on training demonstrations and technology exchanges related to firefighting and disaster prevention.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the government of Taiwan and our partners from the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada. The insights and experiences shared in this workshop will greatly benefit the Philippines as we strive to enhance our overall resilience,” Nepomuceno said.