Naga launches BICS, EOC-EC training courses

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) on Monday opened a 3-day Basic Incident Command System (ICS) Course and 1-day Emergency Operations Center Executive Training Course (EOC-EC) with 40 participants from the city government and the city’s 27 barangays.

CDRRMO head Raynor Rodriguez said the training aims to equip barangay volunteers and LGU personnel with a clear understanding of how the Incident Management Team (IMT) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) function, enabling them to respond more effectively to disasters and deliver services aligned with IMT and EOC protocols.

Rodriguez emphasized that the primary goal is for each participant to “learn the language of ICS” and become fully aware of the system used during emergencies. “This is essential for collaboration so that all responders can act and move as one,” he said.

By the end of the activity — the first in a series of scheduled trainings — participants are expected to internalize the approach implemented by the IMT and EOC.

Trainees from the barangays include Punong Barangays and either their DRRM-designated councilor or barangay secretary. LGU participants, on the other hand, are personnel who have expressed willingness to serve as responders or future IMT commanders.

Rodriguez said the training is being pursued under the instructions of Mayor Leni Robredo, whose leadership maintains constant coordination with the Department of National Defense, the Office of Civil Defense, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and other agencies to secure all forms of assistance that may be needed during disasters.

EMERGENCY Operation Center (EOC) Manager Renee Absalon Abiada provides insights on how the Incident Command System works with the Incident Management Team and the EOC. JASON NEOLA photo