On March 11, 2026, the Project MedX: Medical Emergency Simulation Exercise (SimEx) Central Luzon Stakeholder Meeting was held from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM to discuss preparations for the upcoming SimEx scheduled on April 16, 2026. Representatives from UPRI included Dr. Carlos Primero Gundran, Director of IB, and Maria Regina L.M. Jimenez, Junior Project Assistant. The meeting officially started at 9:20 AM with opening remarks from A-PAD Executive Director Athea Penaloza, followed by presentations on the disaster risks and previous simulation experiences in Central Luzon. Stakeholders highlighted the region’s vulnerability to typhoons, flooding, earthquakes, and mass casualty incidents, emphasizing the importance of conducting regular emergency simulations to strengthen interagency coordination, medical response systems, and disaster preparedness. Discussions also focused on the establishment of the Incident Command System (ICS), reinforcement of triage protocols, inclusion of hospitals and private organizations during drills, and the need for standardized emergency procedures among agencies and institutions.
During the workshop session, participating agencies and institutions identified their respective roles, responsibilities, and objectives for the SimEx. Stakeholders discussed the importance of testing communication systems, activation of ICS, transfer of command, medical response procedures, and coordination from the community level up to city-wide response mechanisms. Universities such as the University of the Assumption (UA) and Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) expressed their willingness to support the activity through student participation and existing disaster preparedness programs. Key agreements included identifying the hot zone, determining logistical and manpower requirements, finalizing the simulation script, and conducting additional stakeholder meetings, tabletop exercises, and orientation sessions in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). UA was identified as the primary venue for the SimEx, while Pampanga High School and OLFU were considered alternate locations pending formal coordination. The meeting concluded at 2:50 PM with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to improving disaster response coordination and emergency preparedness across Central Luzon.