DILIMAN, Quezon City – Pursuant to Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) continues to improve its disaster response management measures.

In line with this, two training activities were held for selected ATI employees, namely, the Incident Command System (ICS) Training and Ladderized Training on Emergency Response (Level II).

During the ICS Training, participants from the ATI Central Office and training centers learned the concept of ICS including its background, core principles, features, and functions. Nine modules covering models and approaches of incident command and trauma management were presented in the three-day ICS Executive Course, integrated with group discussions and practical exercises.

Deputy Director Alfredo Aton expressed his support to the activity, underscoring that it is a huge step in preparing for the unknown and the inevitable occurrence of natural calamities.

The ICS is a management system designed for the command, control, and coordination of emergency response.

Meanwhile, the Ladderized Training on Emergency Response (Level II) was attended by the 25-member ATI Task Force Team in the Central Office. It is the second phase of the Skills Training on Disaster Hazards and Vulnerabilities which was held on May 29-June 2, 2017.

Members of the Institute’s disaster risk management team were further equipped with knowledge and skills as safety officers and first responders. Through lectures and actual drills, they were able to learn the various operations on the Philippine Emergency Medical Services System and high-angle rescue procedures.

The ICS Training was held last February 5-7, 2018 followed by the second level Emergency Response Training on February 8-9, 2018. These activities were conducted in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense.