Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to streamline emergency response, the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) has implemented a standardized and extensive rescue training program for emergency response teams through the Regional Rescue Jamboree.
This initiative aims to enhance the skills of rescue personnel to improve disaster preparedness in their respective communities, according to Sher Rysiah M. Saises, Officer-In-Charge of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division of OCD Region 8.
During the ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas’ on August 20, Saises explained that the RRJ could standardize rescuers’ emergency response and disaster preparedness, enhancing their skills and ensuring their safety.
In the Regional Rescue Jamboree (RRJ) in July 2024, a total of 73 teams from Region 8, consisting of 913 volunteers, took part, while 16 teams, composed of 144 responders, were from other regions.
This is to promote widespread, uniform skills enhancement training to all emergency response teams. Historically speaking, this is the largest crowd that we have,” Saises beamed, reflecting on the Jamboree’s reach.
In addition, she mentioned some of the hazard training under the RRJ, including search and rescue in collapsed structures, water search and rescue, and emergency telecommunications interoperability.
With the collective and collaborative efforts and help of our agencies and media partners, together we can build a disaster-resilient community in Eastern Visayas,” Saises underscored.
The Regional Rescue Jamboree enhances emergency responders’ capabilities, reflecting the Office of the Civil Defense’s commitment to fostering disaster-resilient communities. Collaboration between local responders, national agencies, and community stakeholders emphasizes that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility. (AAC, PIA Leyte)
