In a significant move to strengthen disaster preparedness and response efforts, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has issued a memorandum mandating all disaster agency members to adopt and operationalize the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (IACC).
Memorandum No. 355, s. 2024, directs all members of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMC) to implement the IACC.
On November 5, Secretary Teodoro announced the reconvening of the IACC as the national government prepared for the potential impact of Typhoon Marce.
The IACC has regularly convened to address preparations and responses to consecutive typhoons that have hit the country, ensuring a coordinated approach to disaster situations.
It is also designed as a multi-agency platform that promotes immediate coordination and informed decision-making among government agencies involved in disaster preparedness, response, and early recovery.
This initiative aims to ensure that relevant agencies can effectively respond to potential threats and make unified decisions during emergencies.
“The establishment of the IACC marks a crucial step in our collective efforts to enhance our disaster response capabilities,” Secretary Teodoro stated. “By fostering collaboration among agencies, we can ensure a swift and effective response to any disaster situation that may arise.”
The IACC will provide a common operational picture for all government agencies and disaster response organizations to aid in preparedness and response planning.
It will serve as a venue for collaborative disaster risk assessment and planning to enhance overall effectiveness.
Additionally, the IACC will facilitate information management between agencies for prompt and informed decision-making, continuously monitoring and assessing real-time situation updates to issue timely warnings to communities, local government units, and the general public.
The National IACC will be chaired by the Chairperson of the NDRRMC, while the Regional IACC will be chaired by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director.
The OCD will facilitate all activities within this platform and encourage member agencies to convene at the NDRRMC/RDRRMC Emergency Operations Center as necessary.
Secretary Teodoro emphasized that this memorandum complements existing National and Regional DRRMC concepts and protocols, stating that it does not revoke or repeal any prior issuances related to the institutionalization of the IACC.
He invited member agencies to provide their fullest cooperation and support, underscoring that this mechanism for collective action has proven to be very effective.
