TAGOLOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, Sept. 16 — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region X continued the conduct of the National Action Plan on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (NAP-CBRN) Awareness Orientation and Simulation Exercises held on September 15–16, 2026, at Paula’s Hotel, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. The three-day activity aims to enhance the preparedness, coordination, and response capabilities of stakeholders in addressing potential CBRN-related incidents.

The first day focused on the Basic Awareness Seminar on CBRN Risk Mitigation, providing participants with foundational knowledge on CBRN threats, risk mitigation strategies, and the roles of concerned agencies in strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms. Sessions covered the Philippine National Action Plan on CBRN Risk Mitigation and its 2024–2028 Implementation Plan, introduction to hazardous materials and CBRN chemical agents, biological materials of security concern, radiological and nuclear emergency response, chemical decontamination, and CBRN-related consequence management.

The second day shifted the discussion toward threat assessment, local government roles, and simulation preparation. Participants engaged in sessions on the regional threat assessment, the role of local government units in CBRN-related incidents, municipal-level threat assessment, capacity-capability assessment, scene management and explosive investigation, and the presentation of the final CBRN simulation exercise scenario.

The participants also conducted a scenario discussion and tabletop exercise, allowing agencies to assess coordination mechanisms, discuss response actions, and identify operational considerations in preparation for the succeeding simulation exercises. The activity concluded with a briefing for the Phase 3 Functional Exercises and scenario implementation involving participating response agencies.

The NAP-CBRN Awareness Orientation and Simulation Exercises emphasize the importance of moving beyond established plans and protocols by testing systems, identifying gaps, and strengthening coordination among agencies. As highlighted during the activity, effective CBRN preparedness requires interoperability, clear communication, mutual trust, and a whole-of-government approach.

With the participation and support of partner agencies, local government units, emergency responders, and technical experts, the activity continues to build a more coordinated and resilient Region X in responding to complex CBRN-related challenges.

On September 17, 2026, the final day of the activity, participants will put into practice the knowledge, insights, and coordination mechanisms gained from the awareness orientation through the conduct of the CBRN Simulation Exercise (SIMEX). The exercise will provide an opportunity to test existing protocols, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and assess the collective readiness of participating agencies in responding to potential CBRN-related incidents.

LINK TO MICROSITE: https://sites.google.com/view/cbrn-simex/home