CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) -- Rescue teams from Pampanga’s cities and municipalities demonstrated their life-saving skills during the First Aid and Basic Life Support Olympics. 
 
The competition is the first of its kind spearheaded by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Office as a culminating activity in the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month.
 
Governor Dennis Pineda thanked all the DRRM personnel for their heroism and assured the Capitol’s continuous support.
 
“They are giving their lives for the safety of the citizens. That is why I am encouraging our local chief executives to promote our rescuers to permanent positions,” he said. 
 
For her part, PDRRMO Chief Angelina Blanco, referencing to the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Abra and parts of Luzon, stressed the value of preparedness to mitigate the impact of any disaster and quickly respond to any given situation.
 
“It is a good thing that we have well-trained employees and we are ready to keep our community safe in the event of actual disasters,” she said. 
 
In addition, Office of Civil Defense Chief Administrative and Financial Management Officer Roberto Manalo reiterated that preparedness should start at home and within every individual to avoid further harm and ensure their safety even when they [families] are not together. 
 
Among the categories included in the rescue Olympics were adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation with automated external defibrillator, bandaging relay, lifting and moving relay, situational analysis and application. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)