The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), led by Undersecretary and Civil Defense Administrator Ariel F. Nepomuceno, conducted a high-level benchmarking visit to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) on June 11, 2025, in line with a presidential directive to enhance the Philippines’ disaster preparedness. The delegation included Assistant Secretaries Jekereen Casipit and Carlos Bathan, Director Eugene Gepte, Jr., and other senior officials.
Undersecretary Nepomuceno thanked SCDF, headed by Commissioner Eric Yap, for the warm welcome and 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,” he said, “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.”
SCDF showcased its operational capabilities, including the Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART), Operation Lionheart for international missions, and advanced technologies like robotics and unmanned systems. The delegation also learned about SCDF’s comprehensive protocols for hazardous materials and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) response.
Particular attention was given to SCDF’s Responder Plus Programme (RPP), a whole-of-society model that promotes public education, CPR and AED 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.
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, develop barangay-level responder programs, and establish the New Clark City Global Command and Control Center.
OCD has formally extended its appreciation to SCDF and the Government of Singapore for their generous hospitality and has invited SCDF officials to the inauguration of CDTI in September 2025.
