Teodoro wants enhanced government disaster response via IACC

FILE PHOTO: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who chairs the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), is aiming for an enhanced government disaster response via the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (IACC). INQUIRER PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is aiming for an enhanced government disaster response via the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (IACC).

Teodoro issued Memorandum No. 355-2024, directing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and its offices and member agencies to adopt the IACC.

Teodoro as chief of the Department of National Defense, also sits as chairperson of the NDRRMC.

“The establishment of the IACC marks a crucial step in our collective efforts to enhance our disaster response capabilities,” he said in a statement released by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Thursday, Nov. 21.

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“By fostering collaboration among agencies, we can ensure a swift and effective response to any disaster situation that may arise,” he added.

According to the OCD, IACC refers to a multi-agency platform that provides operational and tactical support to NDRRMC and its member agencies.

It aims to provide a common operational picture for all government agencies and disaster response organizations, and serve as a venue for collaborative risk assessment and planning.

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The IACC was also tasked to facilitate information management between agencies for prompt and informed decision-making, and continuously monitor and assess real-time situation updates to issue timely warnings to communities, local government units, and the general public.

Teodoro will head the national IACC while the OCD regional directors will head the regional IACCs.

The OCD will facilitate all activities within IACC and encourage member agencies to convene at the NDRRMC/RDRRMC Emergency Operations Center as necessary.

It was on Nov. 5 when Teodoro first announced the reconvening of the IACC as the national government prepared for the potential impact of Typhoon Marce (international name: Yinxing).