By Ma. Nila O. Argel
Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, Nov. 19 (PIA) – The Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) here has integrated the Incident Command System (ICS) in the all-hazard incident management of events.
The council uses its own emergency response teams composed of search and rescue, Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment and Incident Management Teams including material resources based on the following criteria: continues even with out a natural calamity through the communication network of the ICS.
The ICS could effectively address some persistent issues and problems arising at on-scene level such as who’s in-charge on-site especially when the incident involves multi-agency participation and multi-jurisdictional; too many responders; too many people reporting to one supervisor; and unclear lines of authority.
The council’s partner agencies include Department of Local Governement-Bureau of Fire Protection (DILG-BFP), Department of Health (DOH),Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
According to municipal disaster council officer Engr. Nestor B. Somera of Cabugao town, the ICS assisted in the emergency activities in time for the 2014 Unit Athletic Meet which was participated in by delegates coming from the towns of Sinait, Magsingal, San Juan and Cabugao on November 5-7.
They are also expected to render assistance during the 2014 Provincial Sports Competition to be held in this town in December. (MCA/MNOA /PIA1 Ilocos Sur)