Basic

INCIDENT
COMMAND
SYSTEM
Training
Course
 MODULE 1:
Introduction to ICS
 Module Objectives
Upon completion of this Module, the participants will
be able to:
1. Explain the background and development of
the ICS in the Philippines
2. Explain the overview of the ICS
3. Explain the principles and features of the ICS
4. Explain the roles and relationship between the
Responsible Official and the Incident Commander
5. Differentiate coordination from command and control
6. Discuss the factors that lead to successful
implementation of the ICS
 Scope

1. Background and Development of the ICS

in the Philippines
2. Overview of the ICS
3. Principles and Features of the ICS
4. Responsible Official and Incident Commander
5. Coordination vs Command and Control
6. ICS Success Stories
Background and Development of
the ICS in the Philippines
The Philippine Disaster Risk Profile

 The Philippines is at risk of various disasters due

to the following:
– Natural hazards
– Human- induced hazards
– Climate change
 This necessitates the establishment of an
effective and efficient response management
system.

Module 1: Introduction
 Past Major Incidents

Name of Incident Period of Occurrence

WOWOWEE Stampede
February 2006
Incident

Tropical Storm “Ondoy” September 2009

Quirino Grandstand August 2010

Hostage- taking

Module 1: Introduction
WOWOWEE Stampede, February 2006

Photo credit: streetsandscandals.net

Tropical Storm “Ondoy”, September 2009

Photo credit: typhoonondoy.org

Quirino Grandstand Hostage- taking, August 2010

Photo credit: rappler.com

Issues and Concerns from Past
Disasters/Incidents

 Lack of reliable incident information

 Inadequate communications
 Too many people reporting to one supervisor
 Too many responders

Module 1: Introduction
Issues and Concerns from Past
Disasters/Incidents
 Too many response organization structures
 No check- in procedures for responders
 Lack of structure for coordinated planning
between agencies
 Unclear lines of authority
 Terminology differences between agencies

Module 1: Introduction
Issues and Concerns from Past
Disasters/Incidents
 Unclear or unspecified incident objectives
 Lack of clarity on who is in charge
 Confusion arising from the catastrophic situation
 Political intervention

Module 1: Introduction
 Republic Act 10121, 2010
In response to the challenges encountered from past
major disasters and incidents, ICS was mandated to
be established in the Philippines through Republic
Act 10121.

Module 1: Introduction
 Republic Act 10121, 2010

Section 9 (g): The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)

shall formulate standard operating procedures for
coordination.
Rule 7 (h), Implementing Rules and Regulations:
The OCD shall establish ICS as part of the
Philippines’ on- scene disaster response system.

Module 1: Introduction
Training of ICS National Cadre,
2010-2011
The US Forest Service conducted the ICS Instructor
Development Program in the Philippines.

 5- day ICS Basic/Intermediate Course (July 19-23, 2010)

 Integrated Planning Course (Oct. 11- 21, 2010)
 Admin and Finance Section Chief Course (Feb. 28-
Mar. 1, 2011)
 Operations Section Chief Course (Mar. 3- 4, 2011)
 Logistics Section Chief Course (Mar. 4- 7, 2011)
 Incident Commanders’ Course (Mar. 8- 11, 2011)

Module 1: Introduction
 The ICS National Cadre:
34 representatives from
NDRRMC- member agencies and LGUs
NDRRMC Memo Circular No. 4, 2012
Signed on March 28, 2012, this provides the
implementing guidelines on the use of the ICS
under the Philippine DRRM System.

Module 1: Introduction
Executive Order No. 82, 2012

Signed on September 4, 2012, this mandates the

activation of the ICS for human- induced crises.

Module 1: Introduction
 ICS National Cadre
2nd Batch, 2012–2013
Due to increasing demand for ICS training, a
second batch of ICS National Cadre was constituted
by the OCD in collaboration with the USFS.
NDRRMC Memo No. 43 s 2016
Signed on August 18, 2016, this provides the
guidelines on the interoperability of the Incident
Management Teams and Response Clusters.

Module 1: Introduction
NDRRMC Memo No. 44 s 2016
Also signed on August 18, 2016, this provides the
guidelines on the mobilization of Incident
Management Teams.

Module 1: Introduction
NDRRMC-NSC JMC No. 1 s 2016
Approved on 30 August 2016, this JMC requires the
use of ICS as an integral component of contingency
plan for both natural and human-induced hazards.

Module 1: Introduction
 Regional and Local
Institutionalization of the ICS
The regional and local DMRRCs organized their own
ICS Cadres and formulated issuances to implement
ICS in their respective areas.

Module 1: Introduction
Overview of the ICS
 Definition of Incident

Incident is an occurrence, caused by either

human or natural phenomena, that requires
response actions to prevent or minimize loss of life,
or damage to property and the environment.

Module 1: Introduction
 Definition of the ICS

ICS is a standard,
on- scene, all- hazard
incident management
concept that can be
used by all DRRMC
member agencies and
response groups.

Photo credits: Google Images

Module 1: Introduction
 Definition of the ICS

ICS allows users to

adopt an integrated
organizational structure
to match the complexities
and demands of single or
multiple incidents without
being hindered by
agency or jurisdictional
boundaries.

Photo credits: Google Images

Module 1: Introduction
 Purpose of the ICS

The purpose of the ICS is to help to ensure:

 Safety of responders and others
 Achievement of tactical objectives
 Efficient use of resources

Module 1: Introduction
 Benefits of the ICS

 Meets the needs of

incidents of any kind or
size
 Allows personnel from a
variety of agencies to
meld rapidly into a
common management
structure

Photo credits: Google Images

Module 1: Introduction
 Benefits of the ICS

• Provides accountability and

a planning process
• Provides logistical and
administrative support to
operational staff
• Is cost effective by avoiding
duplication of efforts

Photo credits: Google Images

Module 1: Introduction
 Incidents/Events
managed by the ICS
• Disasters caused by natural hazards such as
typhoons, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions
and tsunamis

• Human- induced crises such terrorism,

hostage- taking, armed conflict situations and
bombing incidents

Module 1: Introduction
 Incidents/Events
managed by the ICS
 Accidents such as fires,
hazardous materials incidents,
traffic accidents

 Human and animal disease

Photo credits: Google Images

outbreaks

 Planned events such as fiestas,

parades, sport events,
conferences, concerts

Module 1: Introduction
Photo credits: Google Images
 Countries using the ICS
Full implementation:
 United States
 Canada
 Australia
 New Zealand
 Mexico
Photo credit: Google Images

Module 1: Introduction
 Countries using the ICS
In transition:

Latin
South Asia ASEAN Africa
America
• Bhutan • Indonesia • Ethiopia • Many
countries
• India • Philippines • Ghana
• Sri Lanka • Thailand
• Brunei
Darussalam

Module 1: Introduction
Principles and Features
of the ICS
Principles and Features of the ICS
1. Primary ICS Management 6. Common Terminology
Functions
7. Accountability
2. Management by Objectives
8. Integrated Communications
3. Unity of Command and
Chain of Command 9. Resources Management
4. Organizational Flexibility 10. Incident Action Plan
5. Span of Control 11. ICS Tools and Forms

Module 1: Introduction
1
Primary
Management
Functions
Primary ICS Management Functions

FUNCTIONS DESCRIPTION
Command Overall responsibility
Operations Direct tactical actions
Planning Collect data, prepare action plan
Logistics Provide logistical support
Finance/ Procure resources, maintain
Administration accountability

Module 1: Introduction
2 Management
by Objectives
 Management by Objectives
- an approach that is
communicated to the
GOAL
entire ICS organization.

4. PERFORM
TACTICAL DIRECTION

3. SELECT APPROPRIATE
STRATEGY

2. ESTABLISH OBJECTIVES

1. UNDERSTAND POLICY AND DIRECTION

1. Understand policy and direction
Understand the legal mandate/orders/priorities/directives
of Responsible Official who has the overall authority in
the incident/event.

Casualties prevented
Goal

Prevent and/or minimize

1. UNDERSTAND POLICY AND DIRECTION casualties resulting from
the earthquake
2. Establish objectives
Based on the overall guidance, formulate SMART
objectives.

Casualties prevented
Goal

Search all structures in Barangay

2. ESTABLISH OBJECTIVES X for casualties by 1400H

Prevent and/or minimize

1. UNDERSTAND POLICY AND DIRECTION casualties resulting from
the earthquake
3. Select appropriate strategy
Describe the general method/s that should be used either
singly or in combination to achieve the objectives.

Casualties prevented
Goal

3. SELECT APPROPRIATE Mobilize Search and Rescue

STRATEGY Teams

Search all structures in Barangay

2. ESTABLISH OBJECTIVES X for casualties by 1400H

Prevent and/or minimize

1. UNDERSTAND POLICY AND DIRECTION casualties resulting from
the earthquake
4. Perform tactical direction
Indicate the specific actions that must be accomplished
within the selected strategy.

Casualties prevented
Goal

4. PERFORM
Deploy 3 EMTs, 3 Ambulances
TACTICAL with ALS, 5 Rescue Teams in
DIRECTION Barangay X

3. SELECT APPROPRIATE Mobilize Search and Rescue

STRATEGY Teams

Search all structures in Barangay

2. ESTABLISH OBJECTIVES X for casualties by 1400H

Prevent and/or minimize

1. UNDERSTAND POLICY AND DIRECTION casualties resulting from
the earthquake
3 Unity of Command and
Chain of Command
 Unity of Command and
Chain of Command
Chain of Command
Orderly ranking of management positions in line of
authority

Unity of Command
Establishes a clear line of supervision; every
individual has a designated supervisor.
4 Organizational
Flexibility
 Organizational Flexibility
 The ICS organization is flexible and modular.
 Organization develops in a top- down fashion,
beginning with the Incident Commander (IC).
 The IC establishes organization based on incident
size, complexity, and specific hazards.
 “Form follows function”. Only functions/positions
necessary for the incident are filled or activated.

Module 1: Introduction
The ICS Organization

Command
Staff

General
Staff

Module 1: Introduction
 Incident Commander

Incident
Commander

The ICS organization begins with the IC (as the first

responder or as designated by the Responsible
Official).

Module 1: Introduction
 Command Staff

Command
Staff

The Incident Commander may designate the

Command Staff who will provide information, liaison,
and safety services for the entire organization.

Module 1: Introduction
 General Staff

General
Staff

As the incident expands in complexity, the Incident

Commander may add General Staff Sections to
maintain span of control.

Module 1: Introduction
 Who does what?
Incident Commander
Has overall responsibility
for the incident; Sets
objectives Incident
Commander

Operations Planning Logistics Finance/Admin

Section Chief Section Chief Section Chief Section Chief

Operations Planning Logistics Finance/Admin

Develops tactical Develops Incident Provides Monitors
organization and Action Plan to resources and incident costs
directs all resources accomplish all other and provides
to carry out the objectives; services needed fiscal guidance;
Incident Action Plan Maintains resource to support the Procures
and situation status incident needed
resources
 Incident Complexity
and Resource Needs
Incident Resource Needs ICS Organization
Complexity
 Large Disaster:
All Units Activated
5 Span of Control
 Span of Control
ICS span of control for any supervisor:
 Between 3 to 7 subordinates
 Ideally does not exceed 5 subordinates

Module 1: Introduction
 Span of Control

INEFFECTIVE
and possibly EFFECTIVE
dangerous Span of Control

Module 1: Introduction
 Span of Control
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT combine functions for one
organizational unit

RESOURCE AND
RESOURCE UNIT SITUATION UNIT
SITUATION UNIT
Juan Dela Cruz Pedro Penduko
Juan Dela Cruz

Module 1: Introduction
6 Common
Terminology
 Common Terminology
Common terminology applies to:
 Organizational Elements
Terminologies for the ICS organizational elements
are standard and consistent.

 Resource Descriptions
Resources are given common names and are
listed by type and kind with respect to their
capabilities.

Module 1: Introduction
 Common Terminology
 Facilities
Facilities used during the response are named
according to common terminology.

 Position Titles
All ICS managers and supervisors are referred to
by standard titles such as Officer, Chief,
Supervisor or Leader.

Module 1: Introduction
 Common Terminology
 All ICS communications should use clear text
(plain language).
 Do not use radio codes, agency- specific codes,
acronyms, or other jargons.
 Common Terminology
The following examples demonstrate the difference
between jargon and clear text:
• Jargon: “Railroad Street Command for Engine
44, you’re 10- 1.”
Clear Text: “Railroad Street Command from
Engine 44, you are unreadable.”

• Jargon: “OPSEC from Div. A, I have you 10- 4.”

Clear Text: “Operations Section Chief Ramos
from Division Alpha. You are coming in clear.”

Module 1: Introduction
7 Accountability
 Check- in

All responders,
regardless of agency
affiliation, must check- in
to the incident and
receive an assignment,
following the procedures
established by the IC.

Module 1: Introduction
 Incident Action Plan

Response operations must

be directed and
coordinated as outlined in
the Incident Action Plan.

Module 1: Introduction
 Unity of Command
Each individual involved
in the incident operations
must report to only one
supervisor.

Module 1: Introduction
 Span of Control
Supervisors must be able
to effectively manage
their subordinates and the
resources.

Module 1: Introduction
 Resource Tracking

Supervisors must record and report resource status

changes as they occur.

T- Card System

Module 1: Introduction
8 Integrated
Communications
 Integrated Communications

Integrated communications are facilitated through:

 Development and use of a common
communications plan
 Inter- operability of communication equipment,
procedures, and systems

Module 1: Introduction
 Integrated Communications
Communications networks that may be required:
 Command Net
 Tactical Nets
 Support Nets
 Ground- to- Air
 Air- to- Air

Module 1: Introduction
9 Resource
Management
 Definition of Resource

Any personnel, team, equipment, aircraft, supplies

and facilities available to support management and
response activities

Module 1: Introduction
 Resource Management
Resource Management includes processes for:
• Categorizing
• Ordering
• Dispatching
• Tracking
• Recovering
• Reimbursing resources (as appropriate)

Module 1: Introduction
10
Incident
Action
Plan
 Incident Action Plan

 Used to communicate
response goals, objectives
and support activities
throughout the ICS
organization
 Developed for each
operational period (usually
12 to 24 hours)
 May be oral or written

Module 1: Introduction
11 ICS Forms
and Tools
 ICS Forms and Tools

The ICS has a variety

of tools, including
forms, to help
standardize
procedures and
documentation.

Module 1: Introduction
The Responsible Official and
the Incident Commander
 Responsible Official (RO)

 Chairperson of the DRRMC (or Head of

Agency/Organization/Office)
 Provides overall policy direction and guidance
 Serves as link to other higher authorities
 Delegates authority to Incident Commander to
manage the incident

Module 1: Introduction
 Incident Commander (IC)

 Receives authority from the RO

 Establishes objectives based on the overall
guidance
 Establishes the Incident Management Team and
leads the tactical/on- scene response operations
 Ensures incident safety
 Maintains liaison with participating response
groups

Module 1: Introduction
RO Delegates Authority to IC
Delegation of Authority:
• A statement or instruction given to the IC by the
RO delegating authority and assigning
responsibility
• Includes objectives, priorities, expectations,
constraints and other considerations or
guidelines

NOTE: The chain of command between the IC

and RO must NOT be bypassed.

Module 1: Introduction
 Coordination vs.
Command and Control
 Coordination

The RO and the principals from other agencies

undertake coordination through the following:
 Making policy decisions
 Establishing priorities
 Resolving critical resource issues
 Mobilizing and tracking resources
 Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating situation
report/information

Module 1: Introduction
 Command and Control

The IC undertakes the following:

 Commanding responders for on- scene
operations
 Controlling and managing the resources deployed
tactically on the ground
 Reporting progress and updates on the
operations to the RO

Module 1: Introduction
Emergency Operations Center
 Facility that serves as
repository of
information and main
hub for inter- agency
coordination

 Links coordination to
command and control

Module 1: Introduction
 COORDINATION
Responsible Official

Head of Response
Clusters
Operational
Coordinator

DRRMC EOC Education Health IHA Logistics MDM Protection

FNI SRR LAO ETC CCCM

Incident
Commander Safety Officer
Public Information
Officer
Liaison Officer

Finance and
Operations Planning Logistics
Admin Section
Section Chief Section Chief Section Chief
Chief

COMMAND AND CONTROL

ICS Success Stories
 ICS Success Stories
Black Nazarene Traslacion (since 2013)

Photo credits: OCD NCR

Module 1: Introduction
ICS Success Stories
Typhoon Ruby (2014)

Photo credits: Agusan del Norte and Batangas City

Module 1: Introduction
ICS Success Stories
Papal Visit Operations (2015)

Module 1: Introduction
ICS Success Stories
APEC Meetings (2015)

Module 1: Introduction
ICS Success Stories
Mt Apo Fire Incident (2016)

Photo credits: OCD Region XI

Module 1: Introduction
 Activity 1:

Duration: 20 minutes

Requirements: Activity Packet

ICS Form 211 (paper and tarp)
Writing Materials
 Activity 1:

Instructions:
1. Based on the given scenario, check- in the on-
scene to the incident by accomplishing ICS
Form 211 (on paper and tarp).

2. Present the accomplished ICS Form 211 on tarp

to the plenary.

Output:
Accomplished ICS Form 211 (on paper and tarp)
Questions?
 Module Objectives
Upon completion of this Module, the participants will
be able to:
1. Explain the background and development of
the ICS in the Philippines
2. Explain the principles and features of the ICS
3. Explain the roles and relationship between the
Responsible Official and the Incident Commander
4. Differentiate coordination from command and control
5. Discuss the factors that lead to the successful
implementation of the ICS