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 in its second year, spearheaded by the provincial government through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to culminate the observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month.
 
During the event, PDRRMO Chief Angelina Blanco said the event aims to assess and enhance the province’s capacity-building initiatives to set quality standards in disaster preparedness and response.
 
“This Olympics, as well as other trainings, serve as the provincial government’s investment for our rescuers. It is a reminder that while we aim to be experts on our field, we should never forget the basics,” she said. 
 
For her part, Office of Civil Defense OIC-Regional Director Shelby Ruiz stressed the value of the olympics not just for training and skills development, but also for fostering valuable networks. 
 
“We commend the PDRRM Council because this activity will not only enhance your skills, knowledge, and sportsmanship, but will also build network and collaboration between and among the local government units in the province,” she said.
 
Among the categories included in the rescue Olympics were adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with automated external defibrillator (AED), bandaging relay, lifting and moving relay, and situational analysis and application.
 
Mabalacat CDRRMO emerged as overall champion; while San Fernando CDRRMO placed first in the Olympics. 
 
Meanwhile, Porac MDRRMO placed second; San Luis MDRRMO —3rd place; and Lubao MDRRMO —4th place.
 
Special awards were also given including Best Uniform and Best Adult COR with AED —Minalin MDRRMO; Best in Bandaging Relay— Mabalacat CDRRMO; Best in Lifting ang Moving Relay — San Fernando CDRRMO; and Best in Situational Analysis and Application — Porac MDRRMO. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)