Disaster council holds training on disaster response management

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

Friday 25th of May 2012

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, May 25 (PIA) -- In a move to address problems on the right response in times of calamities in the city, a training on disaster response management like Incident Command System (ICS) and rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) has been conducted from May 21 to 25 in Davao City.

City Mayor Ignacio Zubiri, in his message, said that there is really a need for the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council members to undergo trainings on ICS and DANA in order to establish and run an effective incident command post during calamities, and learn rapid damage assessment including the mechanics in disaster reporting.

Focused on unified command system, the ICS lays down the procedures for responders such as assignment of responsibilities, structure for coordinated planning between agencies, clear lines of authority, and specified incident objectives for efficient and effective disaster response operations.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Arsenio Alagenio, who lectured on rapid DANA, likewise said the training strategy advocates for disaster response management, provides participants with an understanding of the disaster management cycle, and prepares participants as responders.

“It also underscores the identification of the victims’ urgent needs, prioritizing response efforts, data collection methods, keys to a successful assessment reports and making recommendations to the Provincial DRRMC and other organizations,” he added.

Trainers include Carmelito Lupo, former regional director of the Office of Civil Defense, Region 10, and Joshue Go, Regional Director, National Telecommunications Commission in region XI.

Lupo said the training provides a roadmap for the disaster councils to know exactly how, when, and where to engage in disaster response.

He added that it is becoming more evident that communities need the combined efforts of the government and a full range of private sector participation in order to effectively respond to and recover from a disaster. (PIA 10, Bukidnon)