MARIVELES, Bataan — GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD) announced Wednesday that it has sponsored a five-day training in water search and rescue (WASAR) with 70 participants from 18 barangays here.
With the rigorous training, only 20 of the total number of participants passed to qualify as first responders of the municipality of Mariveles.
The activities consisted of training sessions starting with basic first aid techniques such as hands-only CPR, bandaging and knot-tying. A lecture followed on water safety that included a demo and practical session on rescue and survival methods, breathing control, water entry and swimming techniques.
The training involved several demo and practical sessions like physical fitness test, rope rescue techniques and breath-holding proficiency swimming. The trainees underwent tougher demos in simulation exams and exercise in rubber boat handling.
On the final test proper, the participants swam a total of one mile from the Mariveles shores to Corregidor.
The simulation exam determined the ultimate application of all the skills and techniques the participants have learned throughout the training. The 20 passers can now ably assist the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office during calamities, GNPD said.
“WASAR training aimed to equip personnel who work near water with sufficient knowledge about the hazards created by the environment and develop skills in basic life support and water rescue,” sangguniang kabataan kagawad Ivander Drio said.
According to Nikki Bryce Roque, GNPD’s supervisor for environment, this training will also help mitigate the effects of climate change to the country as it equips the municipality with skilled first responders who will be at the frontlines in times of need.
This initiative helps realize the last S of the P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S. roadmap of GNPD’s Corporate Social Responsibility team – Strengthen Disaster Resiliency.
Roque said It demonstrates the companies’ strong commitment to enabling the spirit of supporting one another in times of calamity and disaster, as well as increasing employee volunteerism.
