GLAN, Sarangani -- The Provincial Government of Sarangani, through its Provincial Youth Development Office, recently conducted the Provincial Youth Quick Response Training for 35 youth participants.

The training was held from May 24-28, 2023, at Roque Adarna Integrated School in Barangay Gumasa, Glan.

The goal of the training was to strengthen the skills and attitudes of young people in disaster management. After the training, the organizers plan to establish a Provincial Junior Quick Response Team, to have the youth serve as force multipliers in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) response activities in the province.

Youth participants from Alabel, Malapatan, Glan, Maasim, and Kiamba completed 30 training sessions, including Rescue Management for future Junior Quick Responders.

The training focused on first aid, water rescue, and mountain rescue. Additionally, trainers taught participants Spine Board Management, carries, bandaging, splinting, swimming, immobilization techniques, and CPR.

"Youth participation is essential in all areas, including Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. By empowering our youth, we can create disaster-resilient families and communities. In times of disaster, trained young people can help manage and protect not only their own families but also their communities," said Gretchin Bone, community affairs officer and training focal person for the Provincial Youth Development Division.

"During our training, we took it seriously which is just right because in real life, we will face human lives as rescuers and responders. We are very grateful to our trainers (our Ates and Kuyas) who never got tired of teaching us," Alladin Pareja, a resident of Kiamba, said.

He was also named the Best Camper of the training.

"We will never neglect what we have learned, and if there are more chances to develop our skills, we will participate. Thank you very much for including us as a youth in this training. Thank you for the opportunity to be a better Sarangan," Pareja added.

Same Quick Response Training for the youth was also conducted in collaboration with the Sarangani Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Alabel. (Genory Vanz Alfasain/Voice of the Youth Network)