In a proactive step towards ensuring resilient governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office XII, successfully conducted its first-ever Tabletop Exercise (TTX) for the functionality and effectiveness of its Public Service Continuity Plan (PSCP). The activity was held on September 2-3, 2025, at the DILG Regional Office XII, followed by a focused updating session of the PSCP based on the exercise findings.
The exercise was spearheaded by the DILG-Local Government Capability Development Division and actively participated in by PSCP Core Team members, headed by Assistant Regional Director Engr. Samuel A. Camaganacan, CE. The activity was evaluated by Civil Defense Officer III Jorie Mae E. Balmediano from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XII, ensuring technical consistency and alignment with national continuity planning standards.
The scenario involved a simulated high-impact earthquake to test the operational readiness and coordination capacity of the Continuity Core Team. The exercise aimed to assess key aspects of the PSCP, such as activation protocols, communication procedures, decision-making hierarchies, and the continuity of mission-essential functions.
Through this simulation, the team was able to identify critical gaps, challenges, and improvement areas in the existing PSCP. These insights directly informed the updating and enhancement of the plan, with a focus on making it more hazard-responsive, adaptive, and operationally sound, especially in the context of the unique risks present in the Prime Regional Government Center.
More than just complying with policy mandates, this initiative underscores the DILG XII’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted delivery of public service in times of crisis. The exercise reflects a growing recognition of the importance of preparedness, continuity, and resilience in the face of natural or man-made disruptions.
As reiterated by the PSCP Core Team, strengthening the region’s continuity capabilities is not just about institutional compliance—but about delivering on the public’s trust that services will remain accessible and responsive, no matter the circumstance.
