BONTOC, Mountain Province – One hundred twenty emergency responders from the 10 municipalities of Mountain Province (MP) competed in this year’s MP Rescue Olympics held in this capital town on July 17, 2024.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council spearheaded the Rescue Olympics in celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month with a theme, “Bantayog ng Katatagan at ang Pagbubuklod sa Layuning Kahandaan.”
During the opening program at the Governor Leonard G. Mayaen Sports Complex, Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. and Vice Governor Francis O. Tauli left the participants with an insight that the Rescue Olympics is not solely just a competition, but most importantly, it is a manifestation of the participants’ dedication and hard work and a celebration of selflessness.
“The Rescue Olympics is not just a competition but a testament to the dedication and hard work of our rescue teams, first responders, and volunteers. You embody the very essence of resilience, tirelessly training and preparing to safeguard our communities. Your persistent chase to excellence ensures that we are better equipped to face adversities and protect our community,” Lacwasan said.
“This event is not only a competition but a celebration of the heroic spirit that resides within each one of you. In the rugged terrain and unique majestic landscapes of our province, the challenges of rescue operations are manifold. The skills required to navigate these difficulties demand not only physical strength but also mental resilience, quick thinking, and above all, a deep compassion for those in need,” Tauli also said.
The 10 participating municipalities competed in seven game events which included patient extrication and packaging, basic life support-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, patient transport (emergency carries), flammable liquid fire extinguishment, hose laying and replacement of busted hose, community fire busters, and a DRRM quiz bee.
In the end, the municipality of Tadian emerged as this year’s Rescue Olympics Champion garnering a score of 90.05% and will be receiving a cash prize of PhP60,000.
The municipality of Bontoc followed the municipality of Tadian as second placer with a score of 89.1% and will be receiving a cash prize of PhP50,000.
Moreover, the municipality of Besao secured its spot in the top three as the third placer with a score of 87% and will be receiving a cash prize of PhP40,000.
The remaining seven municipalities (Barlig, Bauko, Natonin, Paracelis, Sadanga, Sagada, and Sabangan) are all entitled to receive a consolation prize amounting to PhP10,000 each.
Meanwhile, special awards were also given to the municipality of Bontoc for the Best in Chant awards, the municipality of Paracelis for the Best in Uniform award, and the municipality of Sagada as the most energetic team. All three municipalities are to receive a PhP5,000 cash prize each.
The awarding ceremony for all the winners is set to be held during the last Monday Program for the month of July, which will be on July 29, 2024.
In addition to the cash prizes, Governor Lacwasan also gave each team PhP2,000. Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Edward F. Chumawar, Jr. awarded the said amount to the recipients on behalf of Governor Lacwasan during the closing program. By Hail, MP
