MANILA, (PIA) — The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) will conduct an Incident Command System (ICS) Executive Course for its top officials and other focal persons on Wednesday, November 6, in partnership with the Department of National Defense – Office of Civil Defense.
The one-day intensive training at the PIA Conference Room aims to enhance disaster response capabilities among the agency’s leadership, including Director-General Katherine Chloe S. De Castro and her deputy directors-general.
The ICS, originally developed by the U.S. Forest Service, is a standardized emergency management system that coordinates actions of all response groups during disasters.
It has proven effective in managing both potential and actual disaster consequences in the Philippines.
“The executive course is designed to highlight core principles, features, and functions of ICS from a supervisor’s perspective,” said PIA Deputy Director-General for Regional Operations Adolfo Ares Gutierrez, also a long-time media and communications professional and a disaster resilience and public safety advocate.
Gutierrez said the program includes modules on ICS organization, facilities, and management of planned events and major incidents.
Expert instructors from various emergency response agencies will lead the sessions, including representatives from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local disaster risk reduction offices.
These include Mr. Emerito Junie B. Castillo III, LDRMMO IV, Capacity Building for Disaster Preparedness Service; Ms. Edna I. Conda, ICS National Cadre; Mr. Luther Castuera, Head Rescue Batallion, MMDA; Engr. Alvin P. Santos, Safety Manager, Perpetual Help College; and Mr. Mark Lawrence A. Peralta, Operations Officer, Mandaluyong CDRRMD.
Twenty-three PIA officials are expected to participate in the training, which will employ interactive lectures, audiovisual presentations, and structured learning exercises. Participants must complete pre and post-tests to receive certification from the Office of Civil Defense.
The training represents part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen disaster preparedness and response capabilities among key agencies. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
