BONTOC, Mountain Province – The 2023 Am-among Inter-Zonal Skills Challenge winners were honored with cash prizes during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony on October 2, 2023, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol grounds.
The Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School (MPGCHS), as the champion in the said contest, received a cash prize of P11,000. Their prize was received by their team leader John Lee Limog and coach Shirley Banaken.
Landing in 2nd place with a cash prize of P9,000 is the Saint Vincent’s School-High School Department. The team leader is Murphy Tangilag and the coach is Ethelbert Bandas.
The municipal government team landed in 3rd place and received a cash prize of P8,000. Their reward was received by their team leader, Jay Anne Faith Taud, some team members, and their coach, Hermin Jane Sianen.
The 4th place went to Central Team with a cash prize of P6,000. Their team leader is Cedric Daweg and the coaches are Pulmaysen Awichen and Hazzkey Vergara.
The event, which showcased the outstanding lifesaving skills, knowledge, and attitude of the participants, was evaluated by members of the Bontoc Emergency Response Team (BERT) and the personnel of the Bontoc Municipal Fire Station. It served as a platform for participants to display their abilities and learn from each other.
In his message, Bontoc Mayor Jerome ” Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., lauded the participants for their passion and commitment to creating a safe, disaster-ready, and resilient community.
“This is a reminder that disaster management is a collective responsibility, requiring collaboration among government agencies, community organizations, other partner stakeholders, and individuals. Together, we can reach more people, inspire action, and empower individuals to take steps to protect themselves and their communities. Let us embrace this opportunity to strengthen our resilience, support one another, and build a safer future, ” the mayor remarked.
Likewise, Tudlong expressed high hopes for every household to have a trained responder in the members of the family. He mentioned that should an emergency or disaster occur as it is inevitable, immediate first-aid may be provided.
It is to be noted that under the present administration’s roadmap: ENLANGAKHA: Achieving the Vision for a Dynamic Bontoc, one of its pillars is Ecosystems Regeneration which covers Disaster Management.
Meanwhile, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Johanna Padaen commended the participants and thanked the workforce that led to the success of the activity.
The Am-among Inter-Zonal Skills Challenge Season 4 is part of the lined-up activities in celebration of the 115th Bontoc Foundation Day and 19th Am-among Festival. Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay & Nicole Shane Fidchao