Strengthening disaster preparedness: Camarines Norte execs undergo Incident Command System training

By Rosalita Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte --- In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong), the importance of thorough preparation for emergencies and disasters has become increasingly clear in Camarines Norte.

Despite thorough preparations by local disaster management councils, the situation escalated unexpectedly, highlighting the need for a structured response plan.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has acknowledged this necessity, leading to top emergency responders undergoing Incident Command System (ICS) training, according to Joey Totanes, an official from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The ICS, originally developed by the U.S. Forest Service, is a standardized emergency management system designed to coordinate the actions of all response groups during disasters.

It has shown effectiveness in managing both potential and actual disaster consequences in the Philippines.

Lt. Jujefell Bautista of the Philippine Army described the system as “very empowering,” noting that it not only bridges communication gaps during emergencies but also ensures smooth collaboration among various organizations.

Bautista was one of 38 participants who completed the ICS Executive Course, conducted jointly by the PDRRMO and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Dec. 11 in Daet, Camarines Norte.

“In the training, I realized that although we have many different organizations with their own protocols and procedures, the ICS unifies us in addressing problems during emergencies or calamities,” he said.

He emphasized that while everyone involved possesses skills, independent actions could lead to disorder in response efforts.

The ICS integrates various capabilities and skills into one system under a single command, instilling confidence in all responders, allowing them to effectively perform their respective tasks during a coordinated operation, he said.

“I am pleased to have participated and to have gained knowledge that I can share with others,” said Vey Pardo, a director of the Red Cross chapter in Camarines Norte.

The training was attended by heads of government agencies who were members of the PDRRMC and its emergency response unit.

Participants were given lectures and workshops on the introduction to ICS, covering its background, development, key features, and principles.

They learned about the composition of the ICS organization as well as the roles and responsibilities of the incident management team members.

The training also included instruction on basic ICS facilities, their uses and symbols, managing planned and major events, and the communication responsibilities that any ICS practitioner must be aware of. (PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)