Disaster councils in Aklan stage Rescue Olympics

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

                                                        PHOTO AKLAN PROVINCE

Local disaster councils in Aklan took part in the 1^st Governor Florencio ‘Joeben’ Miraflores Rescue Olympics at the ABL Sports and Cultural Center in Kalibo, Aklan on July 25.

The event is a joint undertaking of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in collaboration with the provincial government of Aklan.

PDRRMC executive officer Galo Ibardolaza said a total of 12 teams from the municipalities of Malinao, Makato, Tangalan, Ibajay, Kalibo, Malay, Batan, Madalag, Libacao, Nabas, Numancia and Banga participated in the activities.

During the competition, the responders or search and rescue teams displayed their skills in fire fighting, rescuing trapped persons inside a vehicle, basic life support and first aid.

The activity also aimed to enhance the capacities to respond in times of disasters, emergencies and accidents and to heighten awareness on disaster management of the rescue and first aid teams. 

Makato DRRMC was adjudged best in vehicular accident extrication.  Kalibo won the best in Fire Fighting, Libacao for the best in Basic Life Support, Numancia for the best in Uniform and Malay for best on Rescue Equipment Display. 

Overall, Malay DRRMC emerged as the champion in the one-day rescue olympics as Kalibo settled for first runner-up and Tangalan landed as second runner-up.

The rescue olympics is part of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) observance this July  with the theme “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran.” 

It is pursuant to Executive Order No. 137 which declares every July of every year as NDCM nationwide.