KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (OPDRRMO) of South Cotabato has strengthened the capabilities of local emergency responders through the conduct of a five-day Integrated Planning Course on the Incident Command System (ICS), held from April 13 to 17, 2026.
Aimed at enhancing coordination, structure, and efficiency in disaster response operations, the training brought together members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Council and emergency responders from across the province. It equipped participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage emergencies and planned events using a standardized system.
The course highlighted the critical role of a well-organized Incident Management Team (IMT) in ensuring clear command structures, defined roles, and seamless coordination during response operations—key factors that contribute to faster, more efficient, and more organized disaster management.
OPDRRM Officer Rolly Doane C. Aquino emphasized that the training is essential in building a functional and reliable response system, ensuring that responders are fully prepared to take on their roles.
“Kapag nagkakaroon ng activation ang ating Incident Command System, nagiging maayos na lahat; kailangan in place tayo, kailangang maayos ang structure. Pero hindi pwedeng ilagay ka lang diyan na wala kang alam, and that’s the reason why you are here,” Aquino said.
Through this initiative, participants gained a deeper understanding of ICS principles, enabling them to respond with greater confidence, coordination, and effectiveness in times of crisis.
The activity reflects the continued commitment of the provincial government, led by Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., to build resilient communities by investing in well-trained and highly capable emergency response teams.
