KORONADAL CITY —November 18, 2025- In a decisive move to strengthen South Cotabato’s disaster preparedness, the province concluded its intensive Mass Casualty Management (MCM) training with a high-pressure simulation designed to measure real-time coordination, response speed, and operational efficiency among its healthcare teams and responders.
The week-long training culminated in a full-scale simulation. The incident site was at the South Cotabato Sports Complex, while responders were stationed at Rizal Park awaiting deployment.
As soon as the exercise commenced, teams immediately mobilized, responding to the mock incident, conducting triage, and assessing the situation on the ground.
Ambulances took turns transporting simulated patients to South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) Emergency Room.
The staff were evaluated on their response efficiency under pressure.
The scenario featured multiple “victims,” chaotic surroundings, and time-sensitive decisions, mirroring the intensity of real mass casualty events without actual danger to life. Dr. Cheron Gampong, Medical Specialist II and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital, expressed his deep gratitude to the Office of the Provincial Health Officer of South Cotabato and the DOH–HEMB for spearheading the initiative.
He emphasiz
ed that the training is more than a technical exercise, but it is a crucial investment in saving lives. “Preparedness is very important.
It is one of the foundations of disaster management.
“It also meanswe can respond faster, better, and with greater confidence to our patients,” Dr. Gampong said.
He added that every drill, every simulated injury, and every coordinated movement reflects a commitment to putting patient safety at the forefront.
“At the end of the day, the patient’s life is what matters most,” he stressed.
Dr. Gampong also announced that Mass Casualty Management trainings are to be conducted in the coming months, reinforcing the goal of building a pool of responders ready for floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mass accidents, and other natural and man-made disasters.
As the simulation concluded, South Cotabato delivered a clear message: Readiness is a responsibility, and preparedness is a promise. With trained responders and strengthened coordination, the province continues to uphold its commitment to protect every South Cotabateño when emergencies strike.
