The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (DRR-CCAM) Committee conducted a Public Service Continuity Planning (PSCP) Training Workshop on 5–6 February 2025 at the Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL). Facilitated by the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute – Institution Building (UPRI-IB), the training aimed to enhance the university’s preparedness and resilience against potential disruptions by equipping participants with practical strategies for risk management and continuity planning.

Members of the DRR-CCAM Committee and representatives from all UPOU offices attended the workshop, which focused on understanding the hazards that could impact the university, assessing vulnerabilities, and formulating a continuity plan to sustain operations before, during and after a crisis.

The workshop covered several essential topics. It began with a review of rapid assessment results, providing an overview of UPOU’s current state of disaster preparedness and identifying areas for improvement. This was followed by hazard identification and risk assessment, where participants examined potential threats through an earthquake drill and fire drill. They learned how to evaluate risks and prioritize the most pressing concerns. The discussion on mission-essential functions helped participants identify critical services that must continue even during disruptions. Participants also explored recovery time objectives (RTOs) to establish how quickly essential services should be restored after an incident. Additionally, the simulation of the incident command system emphasized the importance of clear and reliable communication channels before, during, and after a crisis, ensuring effective coordination and timely action during emergencies.

The training emphasized the importance of proactive disaster preparedness in protecting UPOU’s community and sustaining its operations. Through this initiative, UPOU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of risk awareness and equipping its personnel with the skills needed to manage crisis effectively. 

This initiative directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) by strengthening UPOU’s ability to anticipate, respond to, and recover from hazards. UPOU strengthens its climate resilience by incorporating risk reduction strategies and continuity planning and ensuring that extreme weather and environmental risks do not hinder its service to stakeholders. The PSCP training workshop highlights the importance of sustainability and adaptation, reinforcing UPOU’s commitment to accessible, resilient, and future-ready education and public service.

Written by: Irish Jaece Micosa • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

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