A.
Incident Commander
• Role: The Incident Commander (IC) is the top decision-maker during a disaster.
They oversee all aspects of the disaster response, ensuring that operations are
coordinated and that resources are allocated efficiently.
• Functions:
o Leadership and Decision-making: Leads the overall response and ensures
that all teams are aligned with the emergency objectives.
o Resource Allocation: Ensures that necessary resources (personnel,
equipment, and supplies) are deployed to the areas that need them the
most.
o Communication and Coordination: Acts as the central point for
communication, ensuring that information flows smoothly between all
teams, agencies, and levels of government.
o Situation Assessment: Continually monitors the situation on the ground,
adjusting the response as new information comes in.
o Public Safety and Compliance: Ensures that safety procedures are followed
and that the disaster response complies with national and local policies and
regulations.
B. Medical Command Physician
• Role: The Medical Command Physician (MCP) is responsible for overseeing all
medical activities during a disaster, ensuring that victims receive proper treatment
and that medical services are coordinated.
• Functions:
o Medical Operations Management: Supervises all medical operations,
including treatment facilities, field hospitals, and emergency medical teams.
o Treatment Protocols: Establishes medical protocols for treating disaster
victims, including triage and emergency care.
o Health Surveillance: Monitors public health conditions, such as the spread
of diseases, and ensures preventative measures are in place.
o Liaison with Health Agencies: Coordinates with hospitals, local health
departments, and national health agencies to facilitate the provision of care
and resources.
o Medical Supplies and Equipment Management: Ensures the availability of
necessary medical supplies, including medications, medical equipment, and
personal protective equipment (PPE).
C. Triage Officer
• Role: The Triage Officer is responsible for assessing and prioritizing casualties
based on the severity of their injuries or medical conditions, ensuring that the most
critical cases receive immediate attention.
• Functions:
o Assessment of Casualties: Evaluates patients to determine the severity of
their injuries (life-threatening, urgent, or minor).
o Priority Classification: Classifies casualties using a triage system (e.g., Red,
Yellow, Green, and Black) to ensure that those who need urgent care are
treated first.
o Coordination with Medical Teams: Communicates with medical teams to
ensure that patients are treated according to priority and available resources.
o Transportation Management: Ensures that patients are safely transported
to medical facilities based on their medical needs and severity.
o Reassessment: Reassesses patients as conditions change, especially in a
mass casualty situation.
D. Community Relations/Public Information Officer
• Role: The Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for managing
communications between the public and the disaster response teams. They ensure
that accurate and timely information is disseminated to the community.
• Functions:
o Public Information Management: Develops and releases official
statements, warnings, and updates to inform the public about the situation
and response efforts.
o Media Relations: Coordinates with media outlets to ensure that correct
information is shared, and rumors are minimized.
o Crisis Communication: Addresses public concerns, clarifies
misunderstandings, and provides actionable instructions, such as
evacuation routes or safety measures.
o Rumor Control: Monitors social media and news outlets for misinformation
and works to correct any false claims.
o Community Engagement: Ensures that vulnerable populations (e.g., elderly,
disabled, or non-native speakers) are receiving the information they need.
E. NDRRM National and Local Council
• Role: The National and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils
(NDRRMC and LDRRMC) coordinate disaster preparedness, mitigation, response,
and recovery efforts at both national and local levels.
• Functions:
o Disaster Risk Reduction Planning: Develops national and local disaster
response strategies and risk reduction programs to minimize the impact of
future disasters.
o Coordination and Collaboration: Ensures that disaster response efforts are
well-coordinated between government agencies, local authorities, and non-
governmental organizations (NGOs).
o Resource Mobilization: Assesses resource needs and coordinates the
mobilization of government and private-sector resources for disaster
response.
o Policy Development: Advises the government on disaster-related policies
and recommends changes to improve disaster resilience and preparedness.
o Community Training and Capacity Building: Implements disaster risk
education and training programs to strengthen local disaster resilience.
F. (Philippine Red Cross)
• Role: The PNRC provides humanitarian aid, emergency relief, and recovery services
during and after disasters, particularly in the areas of medical assistance, food, and
shelter.
• Functions:
o First Aid and Medical Care: Provides immediate first aid and medical care to
disaster victims through first-aid stations, field hospitals, and mobile clinics.
o Search and Rescue: Assists in search and rescue operations for people
trapped under debris or in dangerous conditions.
o Relief Distribution: Distributes food, water, clothing, and other necessities
to affected communities.
o Psychosocial Support: Offers emotional support and counseling services to
victims to help them cope with trauma.
o Coordination with Other Agencies: Works closely with government
agencies, local authorities, and other humanitarian organizations to enhance
disaster response efforts.
G. National and Local Health Personnel
• Role: National and local health personnel are responsible for providing medical
services during a disaster, including treatment, care, and public health
interventions.
• Functions:
o Emergency Medical Response: Provide emergency medical care, including
trauma treatment and stabilization of critical patients.
o Health Monitoring: Monitor the public for disease outbreaks or health risks,
particularly in evacuation centers or crowded shelters.
o Community Health Education: Educate the public about hygiene, water
sanitation, and disease prevention during the recovery phase.
o Infection Control: Implement infection control measures to prevent the
spread of communicable diseases, such as COVID-19 or cholera.
o Logistics Support: Ensure the distribution and availability of medical
supplies, including vaccines and medications, to health facilities.
H. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
• Role: The DSWD is responsible for the social welfare aspects of disaster response,
including providing assistance to affected families, managing shelters, and
coordinating social protection efforts.
• Functions:
o Disaster Relief Assistance: Provides immediate relief goods, including food,
water, and non-food items (e.g., clothing, blankets).
o Cash Assistance: Distributes cash assistance to affected families and
individuals to help them meet basic needs.
o Shelter and Evacuation Management: Manages evacuation centers and
temporary shelters, ensuring that displaced individuals have safe and
adequate living conditions.
o Psychosocial Support: Coordinates with other agencies to provide
psychological first aid and counseling services.
o Long-term Recovery: Supports long-term recovery through livelihood
programs and other social welfare initiatives to restore affected families'
well-being.
I. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
• Role: CSOs play a vital role in disaster preparedness and response, often working
alongside government agencies to provide humanitarian aid and support
community recovery.
• Functions:
o Emergency Relief Assistance: Provide food, water, shelter, and medical
assistance to disaster-affected populations.
o Advocacy and Awareness: Raise awareness about disaster preparedness
and advocate for vulnerable groups in the community.
o Recovery and Rehabilitation: Support recovery efforts by providing
resources for rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and businesses.
o Volunteer Coordination: Mobilize and organize volunteers to assist in the
response and recovery phases.
o Monitoring and Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of the disaster
response and contribute feedback for improving future responses.
J. Community Volunteers
• Role: Local volunteers are essential for immediate disaster response and long-term
recovery, as they have firsthand knowledge of the community’s needs and
challenges.
• Functions:
o Search and Rescue: Assist in locating and rescuing individuals from
affected areas.
o Relief Distribution: Help distribute food, water, and medical supplies to
affected individuals and families.
o Shelter and Evacuation Assistance: Provide support in evacuating
vulnerable individuals and helping them settle into safe areas.
o Community Support: Offer emotional support to disaster victims,
particularly in temporary shelters or evacuation centers.
o Recovery Efforts: Participate in cleanup efforts, rebuilding homes, and
restoring community infrastructure.