KORONADAL CITY — South Cotabato strengthened its push toward a more mature and responsive Universal Health Care (UHC) system after successfully completing a week-long Health Emergency Management training and Mass Casualty Management (MCM) simulation spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Health Officer.
The training, described as one of the province’s most extensive emergency readiness activities this year, brought together responders, healthcare workers, and local government units (LGUs) to assess and improve coordination in the event of large-scale emergencies.
According to Romeo F. Fontanilla, Nurse II and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRM-H) Manager, the activity forms part of the province’s compliance with the UHC maturity level requirements.
“This activity is a requirement under Universal Health Care,” Fontanilla said.
“Right now, South Cotabato is already in the functional level, where most of our personnel are trained, coordinated, and intact.
“This training pushes us closer to achieving a more mature and responsive health care system.”
Fontanilla explained that the simulation was not only designed to assess the technical readiness of hospitals but also to strengthen multi-sectoral coordination, which is one of the pillars of UHC in emergency and disaster settings.
“In large-scale casualties, coordination is everything,” he emphasized.
“One of the main reasons we conducted this simulation is to practice coordination with LGUs, who are the first responders in their areas of responsibility. That is why the participants came from different municipalities and cities.”
Offices and facilities involved in the activity included the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital, Polomolok District Hospital, Norala District Hospital, and various public hospitals under LGUs.
Fontanilla added that future cycles of the training aim to include private hospitals and private sector partners to strengthen unified disaster response.
“As we move forward, we plan to invite private offices and sectors to join the training,” he said. “A disaster does not distinguish between public and private institutions. Coordination must include everyone.”
Fontanilla also expressed gratitude to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Philippine Red Cross for their assistance, noting that inter-agency support is essential in aligning provincial systems with UHC goals.
He noted that the purpose of these activities goes beyond compliance and simulation.
“These trainings prepare our frontliners, both in health and emergency response, to be equipped with the necessary skills for quality patient care and treatment,” he said. “At the end of the day, readiness is our responsibility to the people.”
As South Cotabato continues to strengthen its health systems, the province positions itself as a proactive region moving steadily toward a fully mature Universal Health Care implementation—one where coordination, preparedness, and quality care are not just standards, but lived realities.
