CEBU CITY, CEBU – The Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), in partnership with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), organized a full-day Incident Command System (ICS) Executive Course at the Capitol Social Hall on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The course gathered officers and members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council to enhance coordination and leadership skills in managing complex emergencies and disasters. The event reflects Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s commitment to ensuring that Cebu remains prepared for any crisis.
Advancing Cebu’s Disaster Preparedness
Governor Baricuatro emphasized that a strong and well-coordinated ICS is crucial in safeguarding lives and communities. “Disasters and emergencies can strike at any time,” the governor said. “By strengthening our Incident Command System, we ensure that all units of government can respond efficiently and effectively to protect Cebuanos.”
The ICS framework is designed to provide a standardized, scalable approach to managing emergencies. Through this system, roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, communication flows smoothly, and resources can be deployed rapidly. The executive course focused on enhancing decision-making capabilities, situational awareness, and inter-agency collaboration.
Course Highlights and Training Objectives
The whole-day training included interactive modules, scenario-based exercises, and tabletop simulations. Participants learned strategies for:
- Coordinating multiple agencies during disasters
- Managing public health emergencies such as disease outbreaks
- Responding to natural calamities like typhoons, floods, and earthquakes
- Handling complex incidents that require rapid decision-making and resource allocation
By combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, the ICS Executive Course enabled participants to apply disaster response strategies in real-time situations.
Collaboration with the Office of the Civil Defense
The OCD, which serves as the implementing arm of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), played a key role in designing and facilitating the training. OCD representatives shared best practices from across the Philippines and provided guidance on strengthening local disaster management systems.
Colonel Dennis Francis Pastor, Cebu Provincial DRRM Officer, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “Through our partnership with the OCD, we can align Cebu’s disaster response framework with national standards while addressing the province’s unique vulnerabilities,” he said.
Building Resilient Communities
The ICS Executive Course trains leaders and responders to boost public safety, resilience, and disaster recovery in Cebu.
Governor Baricuatro underscored the importance of continuous learning and preparedness. “Every member of the DRRM Council plays a critical role in ensuring that our communities are safe,” she said. “Through initiatives like this ICS Executive Course, we equip our leaders with the tools and knowledge to act decisively during emergencies.”
