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
