ICTs to be set up in Region 7 soon

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Central Visayas is preparing for the establishment of Incident Command Teams (ICTs) to be part of the country’s on-scene disaster response system.

Argao Fire Chief Noel Nelson Ababan, national instructor for the Incident Command System (ICS), said they are slowly introducing ICS in different Local Government Units (LGU) as part of their effort to organize ICTs.

Ababan said that ICS is an on-scene, all-hazard incident management idea which provides an organizational structure to match the complexities and demands of all forms of hazard without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries.

“In case of disaster, at least aware ang mga responders kun asa sila mo sulod aron usab nga dili magkagubot (where to come in to avoid chaos) in disaster management,” he said.

Local ICTs are activated only during emergencies.

Ababan clarified that the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) will remain as a coordinating body, while ICTs are tasked to conduct disaster response operations on any human or natural disasters locally.

ICS is described foremost as a scheme which will enable quick response operation through lateral coordination with other government agencies and other concerned organizations.

Ababan said they are also waiting for the formation of the National Incident Command Teams as a head start in the formation of its local counterparts.

ICS has been in existence since 2003. It was introduced in the country by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Since then, ICS was used in different calamities such as the 2008 MV Princess of the Stars rescue and retrieval operations.  (FREEMAN)