Ranking officials of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) got a glimpse of Singapore’s best practices on disaster response during a benchmarking visit to the Southeast Asian nation.

In a news release on Wednesday, the OCD said its delegation, headed by OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, visited the headquarters of the Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) on June 11.

During the visit, the SCDF showcased its operational capabilities, including the disaster assistance and rescue team, Operation Lionheart for international missions, and advanced technologies like robotics and unmanned systems.

The OCD delegation also learned about the SCDF’s comprehensive protocols for hazardous materials and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear response.

Particular attention was given to the SCDF’s responder plus program (RRP), a whole-of-society model that promotes public education, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and automatic external defibrillator training, and volunteer engagement.

“This approach aligns with the whole-of-country strategy championed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., emphasizing inclusive, community-driven disaster resilience. RPP’s integration of emergency preparedness into schools, workplaces, and communities mirrors the Philippines’ efforts to institutionalize a culture of readiness at all levels,” the OCD said.

It also said the SCDF’s civil defense framework – featuring auxiliary units, public-private partnerships, and an extensive shelter system – offered practical models for the OCD’s ongoing work to strengthen the Civil Defense Training Institute (CDTI), develop barangay-level responder programs, and establish the New Clark City Global Command and Control Center.

Nepomuceno, meanwhile, highlighted key priorities of the Philippines, including the development of a uniform mobile alert system, improved disaster education, and stronger early warning systems.

“One of the most important takeaways from this visit is SCDF’s Incident Management System – an integrated framework that enables seamless response to both routine and large-scale emergencies. Their approach to reserve force utilization also provides valuable insights as we enhance our systems back home,” the OCD chief added.

The OCD has formally extended its appreciation to the SCDF and the Singaporean government for their hospitality.

It also invited SCDF officials to the inauguration of CDTI in September. (PNA)