By: Maria Theresa S. Bongiad | Business Continuity Department

De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) successfully conducted its “Alisto! Kahandaan sa Panahon ng Sakuna” Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Orientation on November 11, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the DLSMHSI Library Auditorium. With the theme “Pagtitiyak ng Kaligtasan at Pagpapatuloy ng Serbisyo sa Panahon ng Sakuna,” the event brought together committee members, department representatives, and institutional leaders for a full-day learning session focused on strengthening DLSMHSI’s culture of preparedness, resilience, and business continuity.

The program began with welcome remarks from Mr. Alexander B. Rodriguez, Director of the Business Continuity Department (BCD), who highlighted the importance of institutional resilience and collective responsibility in disaster preparedness. DLSMHSI President Dr. Antonio B. Ramos and Chancellor Mr. Ferdinand L. Berba emphasized that readiness is essential to sustaining the Institute’s mission of healthcare, education, and service. Ms. Maria Theresa S. Bongiad, Senior Manager for BCD, provided an overview of the orientation and outlined its objectives, setting the tone for a meaningful and collaborative learning experience.

Participants attended comprehensive DRRM sessions led by experts and partner agencies. Capt. Joebert Q. Tolentino Jr. of the Disaster and Emergency Responders International presented foundational DRRM concepts, disaster risks, and strategies to build institutional resilience. Mr. Reynor S. Calzado, Head of the Dasmariñas City DRRM Office, shared methods to strengthen coordination between DLSMHSI and the local government. Mr. Mark Joseph G. Bawalan, Operations and Warning Division Head of the Cavite PDRRMO, offered a provincial perspective on supporting healthcare and learning continuity during large-scale emergencies.

The day also included a hands-on workshop facilitated by Mr. Ferdinand J. Banggiacan of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), where participants identified their departments’ critical functions and potential disruption scenarios. This activity laid the foundation for developing comprehensive Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) for all critical departments and units within the Institute.

This orientation is the first major initiative of the Business Continuity Department, preparing the way for future workshops focused on drafting and refining BCPs. The BCD Team expressed gratitude to the Resilience Committee for guiding the program, as well as to Mr. Noel L. Lacuesta, Senior Manager for Safety Management, Ms. Roanne Quiambao, Administrative Assistant of the BCD Team, and the Special Projects staff, whose dedication ensured the smooth preparation and successful execution of the event.

DLSMHSI continues its commitment to disaster preparedness and institutional resilience with a clear goal: to build a community capable of sustaining its healing mission even during emergencies. Guided by Lasallian values of faith, service, communion, and reverence for life, the Institute moves forward with a shared commitment to strengthen readiness today to continue serving tomorrow with resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication.