Strengthening crisis response during the Covid-19 pandemic: Examining incident command system implementation in a localized setting in the Philippines

Abstract

The Incident Command System (ICS) serves as a structured emergency response framework designed to enhance crisis management efficiency. While widely implemented in international settings, its adoption in the Philippines remains limited, with only a few Local Government Units (LGUs) applying the model in crisis response efforts. This study explores ICS as a localized crisis response mechanism for managing the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on its role in coordinating government interventions, public health measures, socio-economic support, and policy enforcement at the local level. Utilizing a qualitative research design, this study employs interviews and thematic analysis to examine the experiences of ICS personnel and the challenges encountered in its implementation. Findings reveal that ICS enabled efficient disease surveillance and monitoring, streamlined pandemic-related operations, established task forces, enforced checkpoint compliance, and mobilized patient transport and food/relief distribution. However, several barriers emerged during implementation, such as human resource limitations, logistical constraints, financial restrictions, and public resistance to health mandates. Additionally, the geographical complexity of Philippine communities posed further challenges in relief distribution and enforcement. As a crisis response, the ICS can be further integrated into Philippine emergency response frameworks, ensuring more structured, effective, and scalable crisis interventions in localized settings.