The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) conducted a Tabletop Exercise on June 22, 2026 to enhance emergency preparedness and identify gaps in response protocols. The activity brought together LRT Line 2 frontline personnel and representatives from NCR Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) to improve coordination and readiness in handling emergencies.
The exercise was facilitated by John D. Buenaventura, Chairman of the LRTA Health and Safety Committee, who led the discussion and gathered inputs from both LRTA personnel and DRRMO representatives.
The exercise simulated a fire incident inside a train while traversing a tunnel near Katipunan Station. Participants assessed evacuation procedures, communication flow, and decision-making during critical situations. The scenario involved a full train with vulnerable passengers including senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive response planning.
The exercise also examined challenges such as tunnel ventilation, crowd control, emergency access, and coordination with fire response units. Participants discussed solutions and identified action points to address gaps, improve procedures, and enhance overall system readiness.
Key LRTA personnel took part in the activity, including train operations staff, Operations Control Center teams, safety and security officers, engineers, public relations officer, and medical responders.
Officials from the DRRMOs of Quezon City, Antipolo City, and Pasig City played a central role in the exercise by evaluating current protocols and providing expert insights to identify areas for improvement. The need to strengthen both internal coordination within LRTA and external coordination with local government units were emphasized.
The tabletop highlighted that clear communication and unified response are critical to ensuring fast and effective action during emergencies.
LRTA Administrator Hernando T. Cabrera emphasized the importance of the activity, stating, “Tabletop exercises are essential in improving and ensuring our preparedness when disasters occur. By working closely with our LGU partners, who have extensive experience in disaster response, we gain valuable perspectives on what must be done before, during, and after emergencies.”
This initiative forms part of LRTA’s continuing efforts to strengthen safety measures and operational resilience. It is in line with LRTA’s vision to enable safe, comfortable, and sustainable transportation in the country.