The Laoag City Government has stepped up its disaster preparedness efforts by conducting an Incident Command System (ICS) Executive Course Seminar to strengthen coordination, planning, and emergency response among government agencies and partner stakeholders.

The seminar, held in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 1, brought together representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, Laoag City Police Station, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Department of Public Safety (DPS), barangay officials, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), city government department heads, and other partner agencies.

Participants reviewed the roles and responsibilities of responding agencies under the Incident Command System, with discussions focusing on inter-agency coordination, communication, planning, situational awareness, and compliance with established emergency response protocols. The course also covered appropriate response procedures and common operational mistakes to avoid, highlighting the ICS framework's role in ensuring an organized and effective disaster response.

Mayor James Bryan Alcid said safeguarding lives and property remains among the city's top priorities, adding that the local government continues to invest in training and capacity-building programs to improve emergency preparedness and response.

As part of these efforts, the city has conducted regular earthquake and fire drills, school safety programs, and disaster simulation exercises, including a recent active shooter and hostage-taking drill at Ilocos Norte National High School.

The city has also expanded its emergency response capabilities through the acquisition of additional rescue equipment, including an Advanced Life Support ambulance, rescue boats, and multi-purpose vehicles distributed to all barangays to improve mobility during emergencies.

Alcid emphasized that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility and thanked government agencies, partner organizations, and volunteers for their continued commitment to strengthening Laoag City's resilience against disasters and other emergencies.