FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – A composite unit from the army, police, and fire bureau finished a five-day training on disaster preparedness and skills enhancement for rescue operations.
Lt. Col. Enrico Gil C. Ileto, commanding officer of the 84 th Infantry Battalion, said that the Disaster Response and Rescue Operations (DRRO) Training that concluded on July 1 at Camp Gatan, San Jose City emphasized the importance of disaster response training because of the rapid changes in environment and that uniformed personnel have the capability to respond rapidly at any natural and man-made calamities.
The training which aimed to develop and instill the sense of confidence and skills during disaster response operations was participated in by selected troops from 84th IB, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection of San Jose City.
The training program covered responding to landslide or earthquake incidents, basic rescue knot tying, swift water rescue, defensive swimming, and river crossing.
Ferdinand Vergara, San Jose City DRRMO-II, as the guest lecturer during the training said that the “sense of oneness” to respond that is essential during calamities and emergencies can be attained in training together.
According to 2Lt. Calde Thomas K. Ambucay, training officer, the said training also aims to develop the personnel’s ability to self-rescue and save others during natural calamities, accidents, and emergency situations. “The training will also boost and enhance the interoperability of different rescue units in the province.”
Maj. Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, commander of the 7 th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division on the other hand, commended all the participants who finished the training and reminded them to apply the information they have acquired. “With the challenging role that we are doing in the community, knowledge like this is very useful, I hope that all of you will be efficient in times of disaster, especially in saving lives of others.”
