Emergency Crews Train In Bulacan

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Philippines - Rescuers and social workers in Bulacan are now more prepared in addressing emergencies after completing a three-day workshop and seminar on Basic/Intermediate Course on Incident Command System (ICS) which ended last Friday at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, here.

ICS is a systematic tool used for the command, control, and coordination of emergency response, said Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy Alvarado, who stressed on the need for such training.

"Filipinos have always lived in harm's way because of the country's geographical location and other emerging hazards like climate change that is why there is really a need to know how to handle emergencies," said Alvarado.

Liz Mungcal, Executive Officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said the objectives of the course were to enhance understanding of ICS as a vital tool for effective disaster response; familiarize with the concepts, organizations, features and terminologies of ICS; and demonstrate knowledge of basic functions through exercises and discussion.

"This seminar is just one of our projects to help prepare those directly involved in rescue and relief efforts during calamities. It's a venue to answer the questions and challenges that they may be confronted with in times of emergency, so that when the situation presents itself, they know what to do," Mungcal said.

Speakers include Subic Bay Metropolitan Fire Chief Ranny Magno, Angelito Layug and chief of operations and warning; Jeffrey Lapid from the Olongapo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO); and Noel Dacio from the SBMA Fire Department.

Also present to share their experiences in emergency response operations were Office of Civil Defense Region 3 (OCDR3) Director Josefina Timoteo and Fire Senior Superintendent Joseph Bacareza.

Lapid said the purpose of ICS, using management best practices, is that it ensures the safety of responders and others; achievement of tactical objectives; and efficient use of resources.

"ICS is flexible and can be used for incidents of any type, scope, and complexity. ICS allows its users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the complexities and demands of single or multiple incidents," he said.

Rudy Bartolome from MDRRMC-Paombong, one of the attendees said the course is a big help for them to respond quickly and effectively to incidents.

The Module includes the Philippine Risk Reduction and Management System, Principles and Fundamentals of ICS, ICS Organization and Staffing, Incident Facilities, Organizing and Managing Incident Events, Delegation of Authority, Incident Resources and Resource Management, Incident and Event Planning, and Transfer of Command/Demobilization/Closeout.