To equip responders from Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) with appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitude to operationalize resources, personnel, and facilities during events and crises, the TAU National Service Training Program (NSTP), the University Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (UDRRM), and Gender and Development (GAD) offices collaborated with the Office of Civil Defence (OCD) in conducting the Gender-Responsive Training on Basic Incident Command System (BICS) at the TAU AgriTourism Hostel Function Hall, 19 June.
With 41 participants completing the intensive three-day program, the training emphasized structured emergency management and gender-inclusive approaches in crisis situations. This marks the second batch of BICS training at TAU, following the inaugural session in 2019.
The sessions, led by a team of seasoned trainers, covered eight required modules, including ICS fundamentals, organizational structure, resource management, and multi-agency coordination. Key facilitators included Mr. Angelo L. Simbol (UPM-SHS Tarlac), SFO1 Fritz O. Perez (BFP Bacolor), Engr. Enrico T. Yuzon (LGU Bataan), Mr. Gabriel Paulo L. Gorospe (Camiling MDRRMO), and Mr. John Ryan Ong (Bongabon MDRRMO).
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Arnold R. Lorenzo, Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA), commended the participants for their efforts in improving disaster preparedness. “Don’t let this training be just another certificate. Let it be a turning point. Every lesson you’ve learned here has the power to save not just lives, but also the futures,” he stressed.
Dr. Lorenzo also highlighted that the program's effectiveness would ultimately be judged by completers' future actions in emergency scenarios, urging them to embody the principles of competent, ethical crisis leadership throughout their careers.
Meanwhile, NSTP Director Dr. Joven D. Valdez conveyed his gratitude to the TAU administration headed by Dr. Silverio Ramon DC. Salunson, the OCD representatives, and the organizing committee for exerting extra efforts in ensuring the success of the program.
“Because of our collaboration, more TAUians are now better equipped to apply ICS principles in real-world scenarios, contributing to more organized and inclusive emergency response efforts in their respective offices and communities,” Dr. Valdez added.
TAU President Dr. Silverio Ramon DC. Salunson gave his full support to the program, recognizing its critical role in enhancing the university’s capacity for coordinated and responsive disaster management. His unwavering backing strengthened inter-office synergy, enabling smoother execution of the training and ensuring that the lessons gained will resonate across various sectors of the university.
#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #BICS #OCD #NSTP #UDRRM #GAD #SDG4 #SDG5 #SDG10 #SDG11 #SDG17
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