ICS training. Members of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council attend the Incident Command System (ICS) Executive Training Course, conducted by the Office of Civil Defense in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (OCD-BARMM) on April 7, to strengthen coordination among agencies during disaster situations. (Photo courtesy of PIO Lanao del Sur)
MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (OCD-BARMM) and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) held an Incident Command System (ICS) Executive Training Course for 37 members of the PDRRM Council on April 7 to enhance coordination among agencies during emergency situations.
ICS is a standardized system used for managing emergencies, providing a coordinated approach that integrates all parties involved in DRRM.
PDRRMO Head Shaminoden M. Sambitory said the ICS training is structured into Levels 1 through 4, with the executive course focused on ICS overview and terminologies. This ensures that local officials, department heads, and council members understand the basics of ICS and their roles during emergencies.
“It is crucial to capacitate them to ensure there is no duplication of efforts. In ICS, we aim to prevent situations where services are not provided or responses are duplicated. These are key areas we prioritize to ensure effective emergency management,” Sambitory said.
According to Sambitory, the province’s geography poses challenges in coordination and communication during emergencies. Some areas lack signal, necessitating the use of two-way radios as alternatives for communication.
“Because of this, there is a delay in terms of information dissemination. But we are always trying to adopt alternative ways of disseminating information and getting reports from our areas,” he added.
Sambitory also underscored the importance of continuous training to enhance the province’s emergency preparedness. To support this, the PDRRMO has planned a series of capability-building activities, including a second batch for the ICS executive course and advanced ICS training (Levels 1-4).
Other specialized courses for responders include Hazardous Material (Hazmat) Training, Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), and First Aid and Basic Life Support. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
