A DISPLAY of exemplary emergency response capabilities has enabled the local government of Mambajao in Camiguin to emerge as champion in the 1st Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) Operations Olympics held at the 2nd International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (iSCENE 2024) in Cauayan City, Isabela.
Ranged against three other local government units (LGUs) — Aurora, Caloocan and Tarlac, which also use MoCCoV — Mambajao was at its best as it showcased its readiness and efficiency in disaster management.
A team in the MoCCoV Olympics is composed of eight members, including a team leader, three command center personnel, and four search and rescue personnel. During the competition, participants highlighted the crucial role of technology and innovation in urban disaster response.
Led by John Edrev Waminal, Mambajao's team demonstrated its sheer prowess in the competition. Also with the team were command center personnel Reymar Balacuit, Alvin Ray Chan and Diosflor Babano, search and rescue personnel Angelo Honculada, Junnil Magallon, Ferdinand Palarca and Rodulfo Payot. Two members of the team were from the Bureau of Fire Protection-Mambajao.
The Olympics, aligned with the objectives of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Smart Cities road map, was aimed at promoting sustainable and resilient urban development. 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.
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. Upon successful recovery of the victim, teams dismantled and transported the MoCCoV to signify the completion of the challenge.
Mambajao took the cash prize of P50,000, while Aurora secured the 1st runner-up position and P25,000. LGUs Caloocan and 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 road map, 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 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.
The 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 the innovative approaches to urban development.