Article Written by Patrick Ryan Bello and Franklin Joshua Gali
On 16 October 2025, a contingent from the Institution Building Division under UP Resilience Institute (UPRI-IB) led by Chief SRS Jose Abraham Ongkiko conducted an FGD with UP Mindanao administrative officials and student representatives from the University Student Council.
The FGD began with a reporting of the preliminary results of the MATATAG-Check by Junior Project Assistant Franklin Joshua Gali. The presentation of results went into detail on the identified hazards, best practices, and initial recommendations for the improvement of safety in the campus.
Following this, was a focus group discussion, facilitated by Chief SRS Jose Abraham Ongkiko and Senior Project Assistant Patrick Ryan Bello, on the UP Mindanao response of the earthquake and the practices during the emergency scenario. Topics included the procedures and protocols followed, alignment with the existing PSCP and ICS, identified gaps, available resources and equipment, post-event practices, recommendations and ways forward.
Based on the FGD findings, UPRI-IB recommends the formulation, implementation, and regular testing of a student-centric Public Service Continuity Plan (PSCP) for UP Mindanao. This approach prioritizes the safety, well-being, and continuity of learning for students, the largest stakeholder group on campus, while also strengthening the overall institutional capacity to respond to emergencies. This will not only improve preparedness and coordination across offices, but also help UP Mindanao proactively identify the systems, procedures, protocols and resources necessary for effective disaster response and continuity of operations. Ultimately, the goal is to institutionalize a responsive, inclusive, and sustainable emergency management system that centers on the welfare of the entire community.
