Responders and rescuers from different offices in Apayao completed a six-day swift Water Search and Rescue (Wasar) training.
The training held from June 6 to 12 was spearheaded by the provincial government through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Fire Department.
The activity was part of the continuing efforts of the provincial government to organize, capacitate, and operationalize active rescue units particularly in the seven municipalities that would be ready to be deployed during emergency situations.
Participants included personnel of the provincial government, Philippine Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion and 1406th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, municipal local government units, and the youth.
The simulation exercises were held at the Bacut Lake Eco-Tourism and Nature Park in Sta. Marcela and at the Bubulayan Bridge at Lt. Balag in Pudtol while the graduation ceremony was held at the Apayao Eco-Tourism and Sports Complex Clubhouse in San Gregorio, Luna.
“This Water Search and Rescue Training was conceptualized in order to capacitate the DRRM workers and stakeholders on life-saving techniques and strategies especially when faced with aquatic emergencies. Further, this is towards realizing the goal of the Apayao PDRRM Council of coming up with an institutionalized emergency response team who can be pooled and respond to emergencies,” the Apayao PDRRMO said. – Redjie Melvic Cawis
