Study on Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)

The Philippines has been experiencing various types of critical incidents such as natural and man-made disasters including armed conflicts, which cause physical destruction to properties, crops and infrastructure, injuries and death. These incidents more often lead to psychosocial disturbances that could eventually affect the social functioning and deteriorate the capabilities of individuals and families who are victims/survivors of such adversities.

In order to address the needs of the victims/survivors of these critical incidents, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) developed the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) service/strategy at the then Bureau of Emergency Assistance. Department Order no. 33, series of 1996 or the Implementing Guidelines in the Conduct of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) as a Disaster Management Strategy was subsequently issued. CISD is a preventive stress management strategy designed to assist affected people in handling severe stresses. Since then, CISD has been utilized by DSWD as one the strategies in disaster management.