23/09/2026
𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏 | 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐚: 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐑𝐈𝐀-𝐇𝐁 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐌 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
The NAMRIA Hydrography Branch (HB) survey vessel commands of BRPH PRESBITERO, BRPH HIZON, and BRPH PALMA conducted activities in observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) 2026, pursuant to NAMRIA Special Order Number 526, s. 2026. Held under the guidance and leadership of NAMRIA Administrator Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, CESO I, the activity took place aboard BRPH PRESBITERO on 30 July 2026, highlighting the importance of preparedness, risk awareness, and emergency response among vessel personnel.
In line with this year’s NDRM theme, “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas”, the activity emphasized the importance of shifting from simply reacting and responding to disasters toward proactive measures that effectively reduce risks and vulnerabilities. The observance combined a seminar on occupational safety and disaster risk reduction and management with interactive activities and practical emergency-response drills.
CAPT Darwin A Dela Cruz, Chief of the Survey Support Division, welcomed the participants where he underscored how this event strengthened the preparedness among vessel personnel by refreshing their knowledge on safe vessel operations and emergency procedures.
A presentation, entitled “Building a Safer Workplace: Promoting Preparedness, Risk Awareness and Safe Work Practices for Vessel Personnel”, was delivered by LCDR Alvin V Abraham, Executive Officer (EO) of BRPH PALMA. The session briefly discussed Republic Act (RA) No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act and highlighted the need to shift from simply addressing the aftermath of disasters toward proactive measures that reduce risks and vulnerabilities. The discussion likewise covered RA No. 11058 or the Occupational Safety and Health Law, with focus on workplace incident reporting, underscoring the importance of addressing unsafe conditions and near misses as part of building a culture of safety. The statement during the session, “Today’s near miss can be tomorrow’s accident if we to report incidents before they result in more serious consequences.
Following the seminar, commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) took part in a Kahoot! quiz covering maritime skills and vessel-related concepts, providing an engaging opportunity to test their knowledge and familiarity with essential maritime practices. This was followed by a crossword puzzle that reinforced key concepts discussed during the seminar.
The next part of the activity focused on practical emergency-response exercises through the Mayday Call and Fire Drill competitions. Facilitated by LCDR Dionesio C Gato Jr, EO of BRPH HIZON, the Mayday Call activity tasked teams to retrieve required emergency equipment and information, proceed to their designated muster station, don life vests, and properly deliver a simulated mayday distress call.
Meanwhile, the Fire Drill competition facilitated by LCDR Lew Anthony A Quincena, EO of BRPH PRESBITERO, focused on the coordinated response to a simulated onboard fire. The teams were tasked to receive and relay information on the location of the fire, activate the appropriate alarm and public-address announcements, don the required personal protective equipment, and carry out their assigned firefighting procedures. The activity highlighted the need for onboard personnel to be self-reliant in responding to emergencies when shore assistance is not readily accessible.
The activity concluded with the recognition of the winning participants in the various challenges followed by the closing remarks of LCDR Kristoffer Ian T Zapanta, Commanding Officer of BRPH PALMA. In his message, he emphasized the importance of conducting regular refresher training and drills to reinforce the knowledge and procedures so that proper emergency responses become instilled and instinctive among vessel personnel.
Through its NDRM 2026 observance, the HB survey vessel commands reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a culture of safety and preparedness among vessel personnel, thereby promoting safer and more resilient maritime operations.
Article by P/Ens Dwight A Celis
