Dumaguete: Relevant government agencies and civilian stakeholders on Friday forged a commitment to formalize and strengthen emergency preparedness at the Dumaguete-Sibulan airport in Negros Oriental. Initiated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) here, the stakeholders compose the Aerodrome Emergency Preparedness Committee (AEPC).

According to Philippines News Agency, Allan Punay, local CAAP chief and airport manager, stated in an interview that before the commitment signing, the stakeholders already had initial preparatory activities, such as quarterly drills for aircraft emergencies. "This commitment signing is just an offshoot of what we have already done, and to formalize our activities to have a disaster-resilient airport," Punay said.

The group has already crafted contingency plans for various scenarios, such as aircraft emergencies, bomb threats, the evacuation of Very Very Important Persons (VVIPs), and mass casualties. Table-top exercises and other activities have also been lined up in the coming days, leading to the simulation exercise (SIMEX) for emergency responders and other participating groups.

Punay mentioned that the Dumaguete-Sibulan airport is also applying for a Type 1 Registration, which refers to a business permit to operate to address concerns and issues on security and safety. The SIMEX is one of the requirements for a Type 1 registration and is scheduled on Oct. 8 at the airport and within its vicinity, including the sea to where the runway extends.

"We have to execute a full-scale emergency exercise to fulfill the requirements," and to also test the capabilities of the responders and implement the contingency plans, he added.

Signatories to the commitment pledge included officials and representatives of the CAAP, airport management, Bureau of Fire Protection, Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, airport police, hospitals, rescue units, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management offices of the provincial and local government units of Sibulan and Dumaguete, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, commercial airlines, and a flying school.

Punay said the AEPC is now ready to take on various emergencies at the airport after having crafted individual and shared response mechanisms and committing personnel and equipment in fulfillment of its objective.