Mambajao, Camiguin tops emergency response, wins MoCCoV Challenge

IN A SHOW of advanced emergency management, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mambajao, Camiguin, took home the grand prize at the highly anticipated Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) Operations Olympics. 

The competition, which took place on April 13, was a significant highlight of the 2nd International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (ISCENE 2024) held in Cauayan City, Isabela.

LGU Mambajao was up against strong contenders from Aurora, Caloocan, and Tarlac, all of whom had implemented the cutting-edge MoCCoV system. However, it was the team from Mambajao that emerged victorious, proving their disaster management systems were second to none.

The competition featured eight-member teams, each with a designated team leader, three command center officers, and four search and rescue operatives. 

LGU Mambajao’s team was led by the skilled John Edrev P. Waminal, with command center support from Reymar E. Balacuit, Alvin Ray M. Chan, and Diosflor L. Babano. 

The search and rescue operations were carried out by Angelo T. Honculada, Junnil G. Magallon, Ferdinand C. Palarca, and Rodulfo O. Payot, with two members also serving in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Mambajao.

The MoCCoV Olympics tested the teams’ abilities to use technology and innovation to manage urban disasters effectively. 

The challenge was designed in line with the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Smart Cities Roadmap, which focuses on sustainable and resilient urban development.

LGU Mambajao utilized the MoCCoV’s impressive array of features, including solar-powered charging, weather stations, STARLINK internet, surveillance systems, two-way radios, drones, search and rescue equipment, and medical supplies to handle a variety of simulated disaster situations.

The command center team was responsible for providing continuous updates on the emergency, featuring live weather data, CCTV surveillance, comprehensive reports, and post-operation analysis. 

This aspect of the competition highlighted the MoCCoV’s full spectrum of disaster management capabilities.

After the successful execution of their mission, including the rescue of a simulated victim, the team efficiently packed up their MoCCoV, marking the end of their challenge.

Their outstanding performance earned LGU Mambajao a cash prize of P50,000. LGU Aurora came in as the first runner-up with a P25,000 prize, while LGU Caloocan and LGU Tarlac were named the second and third runners-up, receiving P15,000 and P10,000 respectively.

This challenge was a practical demonstration of the DOST’s commitment to integrating technology and innovation in promoting sustainable and resilient city planning and development.

Throughout the competition, all participating teams strictly followed safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for each team member. The event began with the teams setting up their MoCCoV units and coordinating their responses to the presented disaster scenarios.

ISCENE 2024 serves as a platform to underscore the importance of science, technology, and innovation in the creation of smarter, more resilient communities. This year’s theme, “Synergy Unleashed: Becoming Smart Cities Through Strategic Partnerships,” stresses the need for innovative urban development strategies.

This victory not only puts LGU Mambajao in the spotlight for its exemplary response capabilities but also sets a high standard for emergency management for other regions to aspire to. (With a report from Troy Anthony A. Omol/DOST Camiguin)