2019

This is an Entry to the Government Best Practice Recognition Awards

Title

CIS FIRE: A Comprehensive and Inclusive Scheme For Innovative and Responsive Environ of Tapaz

Organization

LGU Tapaz

Best practice Focus Area(s)

Leadership,  Peace and Order Initiative, Disaster and Crime Prevention and Response           

Year Implemented

2016

Summary

CIS FIRE is a holistic approach crafted consisting of a

  1. Incident Command and Control Center (IC3) with an Intelligent Video Surveillance System;
  2. establishment of Tapaz Security Force;
  3. 24/7 hotline number; and
  4. use of advanced technologies and equipment for effective and efficient addressing and preventing of crimes, disasters, and calamities in the LGU

It was initiated by Mayor Roberto O. Palomar and operated by the MDRRMO and with coordination of the Tapaz Security Force (TSF), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). The technologies themselves are not new but the rounded approach was specially created to address the unique problems of the municipality.

Background and Problem

This project was intended to ensure adequate police response in incidents requiring police assistance and investigation, crime prevention, and including as well the provision of adequate paramedic resources and relief operation personnel and volunteers in times of disasters and calamities. Tapaz is the biggest municipality in Panay Island, with an area of 51,718 has, on which almost 81% are upland barangays and identified as GIDAs. Their inaccessibility is a trigger for other sectoral problems; in the Social-Protective sector, the municipality has been long battling with insurgency and moderate crime incidents. Tapaz has only 32 policemen, with a ratio of 1 to 1603, which fails to achieve the ideal ratio of 1 per 1000. With this, the development of the municipality is hampered. In 2016, a solution was crafted by Hon. Palomar and thus, CIS FIRE was born which served as the protective service multiplier.

Solution and Impact

Though CIS FIRE addresses many intersectoral problems, the methods itself in this wholesome approach are simple. The first step was the provision of a practical solution in addressing the lack of policemen by establishing the Tapaz Security Force in 2016 that will aid the police force. The members of TSF were trained by the PNP, Philippine Army, PDRRMC, Philippine Red Cross, and Philippine Navy and as well are aptly trained to respond in the calamities and disasters.  Included in this phase is the purchase of a rescue car, 2 public safety cars, bicycles, and 2 patrol tricycles that will be used for monitoring and responding to crimes, disasters, and calamities. Also, the municipality has purchased ICOM Radio for communication, uniforms, and the necessary equipment to properly equip the TSF in the performance of their roles.

In the year 2017, the second phase was established: an Incident Command and Control Center (IC3) equipped with remote video monitoring facility and public alert systems via deployment of 82 IP-based cameras over a 15-30km radius wireless city-wide closed-circuit television (CCTV) Intelligent Video Surveillance (IVS) system; large-format-screen monitoring facilities; and documentation and archiving facility. While the first phase was primarily focused on the disaster and crime response by having enough and appropriate manpower, the second phase is more focused on disaster and crime prevention and fast response to calamities and crimes. In 2018, the hotline number was established and is operating 24/7. This phase is to intensify the first and second phase by providing a medium for crime and disaster response to areas which are not covered by the CCTVs.

Since implementing the CIS FIRE, its gargantuan effects are instantly felt. The impacts were immediate: increase of businesses in the town, on which in turn is more revenue for the municipality; a decrease of crimes; and speedy response to crimes, calamities, and disasters.

Milestones

  • The first municipality in the province with CCTVs.
  • The first municipality in the province with Security Force on which the province will adopt by 2019 or 2020 as it has already conducted its benchmarking in the municipality.
  • The first municipality in the province to have state-of-the-art rescue vehicles and public safety cars.