CDRRMC okays ICS as part of city’s all-hazard response system

City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) chaired by Mayor Benjamin Magalong approved its resolution adopting the Incident Command System (ICS) as part of the Summer Capital’s on-scene all-hazard response mechanism and events management.

The unanimous nod was given during the CDRRMC’s full council meeting, March 2, at a local hotel, co-presided by City Mayor’s Office chief of staff and CDRRMC action officer Engr. Felipe Puzon and CDRRM Office head Antonette Anaban, chief secretariat. Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan also joined the meeting.

Anaban said the establishment of ICS in the city is in line with the policy of the State to develop, promote and implement effective disaster management that aims to strengthen the capacity of local government units and partner stakeholders to build disaster-resilient communities.

“It also institutionalizes arrangements and measures for reducing disaster risks, projected climate risks and enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities at all levels of DRRMCs, including public and private sector agencies,” she added.

Her office, in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense-Cordillera (OCD-CAR), continuously conducts ICS training and capacitation for the CDRRMC member agencies.

The approved measure states that the Implementing Rules and Regulations of  Republic Act 10121 or the ‘Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010’, provides the implementing guidelines on the use of ICS as an on-scene disaster response and management mechanism under the Philippine DRRM System.

RA 10121 also mandates the Local DRRMC to take the lead in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the effects of any disaster. – Gaby B. Keith