SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) -- In pursuit of disaster resilience in Occidental Mindoro, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), with the members of its council (PDRRMC), recently conducted a province-wide Disaster Equipment and Knowledge exhibit.
The activity was conducted in three (3) clusters – MAPSA area, covering the municipalities of Mamburao, Abra, Paulan, and Sta. Cruz; municipality of Sablayan; and SAMARICA (San Jose, Magsaysay, Rizal, and Calintaan) municipalities to ensure interactive learning.
MDRRMOs taught Standard First Aid (SFA), such as correct administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), proper bandaging, and properly assessing of victims.
Pinky Villas of PDRRMO explained that equipping 600 participants, comprising of representatives from the Barangay DRRMC, academe such as students and teachers, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), in SFA aim to foster faster emergency response.
“Kapag sinabi nating emergency, hindi natin ‘yan inaasahan. Gusto natin ma-capacitate ang bawat isa na malaman [kung] ano ba ang mga dapat gawin kapag [may] disaster o emergency. Magandang malaman nila (participants) [kung paano makapagbigay ng] paunang lunas, [at] ano yung mga dapat [pang mga] gagawin,” Villas shared.
In addition to SFA, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) performed high angle rescue demonstrations with the participants. This type of procedure is typically used to rescue people from buildings, cliffs, bridges, or instances where standard exits are inaccessible.
A participant from the municipality of San Jose shared that their experience with the high angle rescue helped them understand that the procedure is safe and reliable when disaster happens.
“Nung una akala ko nakakatakot. Pero noong nandon na ako [sa taas], narealize ko na safe na safe [‘yung procedure], saka magagaling mag-alalay ‘yung mga taga-BFP. Maganda nga na may ganitong [karanasan] para, hindi naman sa hinihingi at may mangyaring sakuna, hindi na ako kakabahan kasi nasubukan ko na,” the participant said.
On the other hand, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), and Environment and Natural Resources (ENRO) focused on disaster preparedness and prevention, introducing early warning devices and coastal rescue equipment.
This also includes discussions on proper waste disposal in accordance with Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. According to Jack Teoducio of ENRO, properly disposal of waste prevents it from clogging sewages, avoiding disasters such as flooding.
Villas highlighted that the PDRRMO will provide follow-up training and rescue equipment for the participants to ensure skills retention, focusing on the BDRRMC as they are the primary responders in their community. The activity is done as part of the celebration of the National Disaster Resilience month. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA – Occidental Mindoro)
