SANTA MARCELA, Apayao – 18 members of the 1406th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion completed a ten-day training course on Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) on January 29, 2024, at the Municipal Kiosk in Santa Marcela, Apayao.
Under the direction of 2nd Lieutenant Gomer Romulo M. Gayo, the 1406th Apayao Community Defense Center (CDC) led the extensive training program designed to give participants the tools needed to respond to floods and drowning incidence.
Given the potentially dire effects of natural catastrophes may have on communities, WASAR training is crucial in reducing possible casualties and in assisting with relief operations in flood isolated areas.
The program seeks to improve participants’ overall preparation in addition to training them to be efficient rescue partners in search and rescue operations. Participants developed their knowledge of waterborne search, rescue, and recovery techniques, highlighting the significance of being prepared for emergencies.
Selected personnel from classes Agila and Aliwa participated in a variety of training exercises, including river crossing, basic life support, knot tying, rappelling, basic boat handling, basic ropemanship and high angle rescue, and water survival and life-saving procedures. These abilities are essential for providing efficient assistance and reaction during emergencies.
Jeoffrey Borromeo, the head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, was the graduation ceremony’s guest of honour and resource speaker. “Maragsakanak ta adda kayu nga kadwa mi nga trained responder ken saludo ak kanyayu ta adda kayu nga willing nga tumulong in terms of natural disasters,” he said in his declaration of thanks. By PIO Apayao