The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), in cooperation with the ASEAN Committee of Disaster Management (ACDM) and the United States Department of Agriculture – Forest Service (USDA-FA) conducted a National Training of Trainers on Basic/Intermediate Course on Incident Command System (ICS) last 19-23 July 2010 at Summit Ridge Hotel, Tagaytay City.  

Attendees to this course were OCD Regional Directors and Central Office Key Personnel, representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Bureau of Fire, Philippine National Police, Metro Manila Development Authority, Philippine Red Cross, Fire National Training Institute, Amity Public Safety Academy and First Responder Groups such as Davao Rescue 911, Olongapo Rescue, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Fire Department.     

The Opening Program for the course held on July  19, 2010, 9:00 AM was graced with the presence of the new OCD Administrator and NDCC Executive Officer Benito T. Ramos. In his message, Administrator Ramos underscored the significance of Incident Command System principles such as chain of command and delegation of authority, including leadership and followership in a disaster event that will put order and systematic approach to the situation on hand. He also mentioned about RA 10121 or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2010 which took effect on May 27, 2010 which will definitely change the course of our approaches and strategies in dealing with hazards that come our way.    

Forthcoming activities under the ASEAN-US DM Cooperation Program include Specialized Trainings for Command and General Staff of ICS, Hosted Study Tours, and Simulation Exercises.