The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) on Saturday assessed the immediate response of barangays in simulated drowning incidents during the 3rd Riverwide Simulation Exercise (Simex) held on September 27, 2025.
CDRRMO Administrative and Training Division acting head Lyndon Ancajas said that the barangays were able to handle drowning rescue operations successfully. This helped shorten the response time and achieve the Simex targets.
“Dili na kailangan og government enforcers because the barangay themselves are equipped (There is no need for government enforcers because the barangays themselves are equipped),” Ancajas said, adding that one of the activity’s goals was to test the readiness of barangays.
Ancajas noted that this year, all 13 barangays participated well, with strong community cooperation during the evacuation. Partner agencies and organizations also played a huge role in the success of Simex.
Despite the event’s success, Ancajas continued to advise Dabawenyos to remain vigilant given the ever-changing weather situation.
“Mag-remind kita sa mga Dabawenyos na pirmi kita nga maging vigilant, maminaw kita pirmi sa mga advisories, ug sa mga evacuation procedures (We continue to remind Dabawenyos to always remain vigilant, to listen to advisories, and to follow evacuation procedures),” he said. CIO
