DOST 1 - Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝟑-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐈𝐂𝐒 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
by Jackielyn T. Villare & Edrussell S. Castillo

The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region), in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense Region 1 (OCD 1), strengthened the disaster preparedness and incident management capabilities of DOST Ilocos Region personnel through the conduct of the Basic Incident Command System (BICS) Training on September 16–18, 2026, held at the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC), DMMMSU-MLUC, City of San Fernando, La Union.

The three-day training brought together DOST Ilocos Region personnel from regional and provincial offices for an intensive learning experience on the principles and application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The training was initiated by the DOST Ilocos Region Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Unit to capacitate the Disaster Control Group and Response Team.

The BICS course introduced participants to the fundamental concepts, organizational structure, and operational functions of ICS as an on-scene, all-hazard incident management system. The training covered eight modules, facilitated by subject matter experts from the OCD Region I, National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Region I, and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of San Juan, La Union.

A significant component of the training was the practical application of the Incident Command System (ICS) concepts through a simulation exercise in which the participants were divided into two Incident Management Teams (IMTs). The exercise provided participants with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the training by performing specific roles and responsibilities, coordinating with team members, managing available resources, communicating operational information, and making decisions in response to a simulated incident.

On the third day, both IMTs conducted the proper Operational Period Briefing, demonstrating their understanding of how incident objectives, strategies, tactics, assignments, resources, and other relevant operational information are effectively communicated to response personnel. The training also reinforced the prioritization of life safety, followed by incident stabilization and property protection, highlighting the importance of having trained personnel who can perform their respective functions effectively during emergencies. The activity concluded with the administration of the post-training examination and overall training evaluation. At the end of the three-day training, 24 participants successfully completed the BICS course and were awarded Certificates of Completion, while 3 additional participants attended the session.

The training served as a reminder that while systems and resources are essential to incident management, people remain at the heart of every response. By investing in their knowledge, skills, and preparedness, DOST Ilocos Region strengthens its capacity to respond when it matters most.

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 '𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚' 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥

Showing that disaster preparedness is a continuous commitment to safety, the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region), led by Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog, participated in the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) today, September 10, 2026. The activity highlights the agency's goal to make "Handa" a mindset of readiness and quick action, a natural part of daily work for all employees in both regional and provincial offices.

Before the actual drill, DOST Ilocos Region staff joined the online live ceremony and press conference led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The event reminded everyone about the value of regular practice to stay safe during major earthquakes, especially in preparing for "The Big One."

Following the national program, the DOST Ilocos Region Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit (DRRMU) provided a quick reminder on basic safety steps, potential hazards, designated evacuation routes, and the standard "Duck, Cover, and Hold" protocol.

Through active participation in these quarterly drills, DOST Ilocos Region ensures that emergency response protocols remain a living practice, keeping its entire workforce alert, equipped, and safe during natural hazards.

As of 8:00 AM today, 1 September 2026, “PILANDOK” (formerly LPA 08j) intensified into a Tropical Storm and is being monitored INSIDE the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm “SAUDEL” (formerly OBET) is still being monitored OUTSIDE the PAR.

Additionally, Tropical Depression (LPA 08l) weakened into a low pressure area and has an UNLIKELY chance of re-developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

Also, LPA 08m is being monitored OUTSIDE the PAR and has a MEDIUM chance of developing into a TD within the next 24 hours.

All are advised to monitor updates from DOST-PAGASA.

As of 8:00 AM today, 31 August 2026, Tropical Depression “PILANDOK” (LPA 08j) is being monitored INSIDE the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Meanwhile, two Tropical Depressions, TD "SAUDEL" (formerly OBET) and TD (formerly LPA 08l) are being monitored OUTSIDE the PAR.

Additionally, LPA 08m is being monitored OUTSIDE PAR and has a MEDIUM chance of developing into a Tropical Depression (TD) within the next 24 hours.

All are advised to monitor updates from DOST-PAGASA.

As of 2:00 PM today, 24 August 2026, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐧 "𝐒𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐋" 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 "𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐓". It is being monitored INSIDE the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Meanwhile, the Tropical Storm with international name "ATSANI" is being monitored OUTSIDE the PAR.

The Tropical Depression with international name "GAENARI" (formerly "NENENG") is still being monitored OUTSIDE the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
All are advised to monitor updates from DOST-PAGASA.

📣 GOOD NEWS, DRRM PARTNERS!📣

The Gawad KALASAG Knowledge Sharing Site, an OCD Region I-initiated project, is now UPDATED FOR CY 2026! 🏆

Access the latest GK Guidelines, LDRRMCO Toolkit, Video Orientation, CY 2025 GK Passers, references, and other knowledge-sharing resources—all in one place!

📲 SCAN THE QR CODE or visit bit.ly/4i3zQuS

Let’s learn, share, and strengthen DRRM practices across Region I!

𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐲𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐝: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐆𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 ‘𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐘𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐍’ 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐥 𝐬𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐃𝐑𝐑𝐌

Bilang pagkilala sa patuloy nitong suporta at pakikipagtulungan sa mga programang pampamahalaan para sa disaster resilience, ginawaran ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Ilocos Sur (PGIS) ang Department of Science and Technology (DOST Ilocos Region) ng PANAGYAMAN Award noong ika-30 ng Hulyo, 2026.

Ipinagkaloob ang naturang parangal bilang pagpapahalaga sa mahalagang kontribusyon ng DOST Ilocos Region, sa pamumuno ni Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog, sa pagsusulong ng mga inisyatibong nakabatay sa agham at teknolohiya (science-based and technology-driven). Layunin nitong palakasin ang kahandaan at katatagan ng mga komunidad sa lalawigan laban sa iba’t ibang banta ng panganib at sakuna.

Naging katuwang ng lalawigan ang DOST Ilocos Region sa pagpapatupad ng iba't ibang kapaki-pakinabang na proyekto. Kabilang dito ang GeoRiskPH Training noong 2024, kung saan 100 porsyento ng mga lokal na pamahalaan (LGU) sa Ilocos Sur ang nasanay sa paggamit ng mga science-based hazard assessment tool. Sinundan ito ng REDAS Training noong 2025 at ng Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) Training on Data Collection and Exposure Assessment using Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) noong Hulyo 2026.

Bukas-palad ding nakiisa ang ahensya sa Science-Based Technology Exhibit na nagtampok sa Solido DRRM Knowledge Hub noong 2026 Disaster Resilience Festival, isang mahalagang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng National Disaster Resilience Month sa lalawigan. Bukod dito, naging aktibo rin ang suporta ng DOST sa Tsunami Awareness Day at Tsunami Run sa Lungsod ng Vigan noong 2025 upang higit pang palawakin ang kaalaman ng publiko sa kahandaan sa sakuna.

Ang PANAGYAMAN Award ay sumasalamin sa matibay at patuloy na pagtutulungan ng DOST Ilocos Region at ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Ilocos Sur sa paggamit ng agham at teknolohiya para sa Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). Higit sa isang parangal, nagsisilbi itong patunay sa kahalagahan ng sama-samang pagkilos tungo sa isang mas ligtas, matatag, at disaster-resilient na Ilocos Sur.

DOST 1 - Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit