Article Written By: Franklin Joshua Gali
On March 5-7, 2026, the UP Resilience Institute (UPRI) participated in the Basic Incident Command System (BICS) training of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). Facilitated by the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO), UPRI Institution Building (IB) representative Franklin Joshua Gali, joined as a participant in the training’s second batch for the year. Attended by 39 participants, the training aimed to impart the fundamentals of ICS through a series of lectures and activities.
The three day training consisted of eight modules with each culminating in a unique activity. Resource persons included Course Monitor Jester Wong of the Association of Philippine Volunteer Fire Brigade, Inc. (APVFBI), retired Commodore Fran Eden of the Philippine Coastguard (PCG), MSg Darwin Esguerra of the Philippine Airforce (PFA), Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management representatives Guillermo Dizon, Angelo Padua, Evangeline Lumague, and Erickson Arogante.
Each module was designed to embed in participants the different aspects of the Incident Command System. From terminologies to the processes involved in using this framework, participants were given the opportunity to learn and experience how this system is used during an incident. The training concluded with a graduation ceremony for the participants that were able to successfully fulfill all requirements.
The BICS training is an important first step in the development of DRRM practitioners who aim to become instructors and specialists. Moving forward, the UP Resilience Institute is committed to the continuing development of all staff members through these activities developed by the OCD. Through a shared sense of responsibility when it comes to DRRM, these engagements reinforce the importance of constant collaboration and participation in learning opportunities for a more resilient nation.
