MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (PIA) -- The local government of Mambajao championed the 1st Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) Operations Olympics at the 2nd International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (ISCENE 2024) in Cauayan City, Isabela, showing exceptional emergency response capabilities.
Competing against three other LGUs that also implement the use of MoCCoV—Aurora, Caloocan, and Tarlac—LGU Mambajao showcased its readiness and efficiency in disaster management. The MoCCoV Olympics, played by eight-member teams comprising a team leader, three command center personnel, and four search and rescue personnel, highlighted the crucial role of technology and innovation in urban disaster response.
John Edrev P. Waminal, RN, led the LGU Mambajao team, which included command center personnel Reymar E. Balacuit, Alvin Ray M. Chan, and Diosflor L. Babano, as well as search and rescue personnel Angelo T. Honculada, Junnil G. Magallon, Ferdinand C. Palarca, and Rodulfo O. Payot. Notably, two members of the team hail from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Mambajao.
"The event aimed to promote sustainable and resilient urban development, aligning with the objectives of the DOST Smart Cities Roadmap. Participants utilized features of the MoCCoV, such as solar turbine-powered charging, weather monitoring stations, STARLINK internet provision, surveillance equipment, two-way radio communication, quadcopter drones, search and rescue gear, and medical equipment, to effectively respond to simulated disaster scenarios," DOST Camiguin Provincial Director Joanne Katherine Banaag said.
Command center personnel provided real-time updates, including weather conditions, CCTV footage, situation reports, and postoperative assessments, showcasing the vehicle's comprehensive capabilities in disaster management. Following the victim's successful recovery, teams dismantled and transported the MoCCoV to signify the challenge's completion.
LGU Mambajao's victory earned them a cash prize of Php 50,000, while LGU Aurora secured the 1st runner-up position, winning P25,000. LGU Caloocan and LGU Tarlac secured the 2nd and 3rd runner-up positions, respectively, with cash prizes of P15,000 and P10,000.
The challenge aligns with the DOST Smart Cities Roadmap, emphasizing the importance of technology and innovation in fostering sustainable and resilient urban development.
All teams adhered to safety protocols, ensuring the presence of personal protective equipment (PPE) for all team members. The challenge commenced with teams fully setting up the MoCCoV in response to given scenarios, utilizing its features for coordinated disaster response efforts.
iSCENE 2024 aims to highlight the significance of science, technology, and innovation in building smarter and more resilient communities. With the theme "Synergy Unleashed: Becoming Smart Cities Through Strategic Partnerships," the event aims to highlight innovative approaches to urban development. (DOST Camiguin/PIA-10/Camiguin)
