Camotes Volunteers Advance Water Safety Training

About 23 volunteers of San Francisco, Poro, Tudela and Pilar in Camotes Island completed the Water Safety, Survival and Rescue Training (WASAR) that aims to develop responders on how to take action during emergency situation especially on maritime incidents.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Trainer Crista Hermosa said since the island is prone to typhoons and maritime disasters, responders need proper training.

“Camotes Island is very prone to typhoons and maritime disasters so it really needs the proper training befitting to their needs,” Hermosa said.

The training was given by PDRRMO in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard – Special Operations Group (PCG-SOG) and the Local Government Units of Camotes.

The disaster risk reduction office spent two of the five-day training on refreshing their skills in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, Rapid Trauma Assessment, Patient Packaging and Splinting.

The remaining days were handled by PCG-SOG on the advance water rescue training, Hermosa said.

The CG trained them on Water Survival, Contact and Non-Contact Rescue Techniques, Rubber Boat Handling, Operation and Maintenance, and Swimming Skills.

Governor Hilario P. Davide III, in his message, explained to the graduates the importance of their training considering the response gap between the island and mainland Cebu during emergencies.

“This training is very important kay kung muabut ang katalagman, makaresponde dayun mo ug dili na maghuwat ug pila ka oras sa responde gikan sa mainland. And in behalf sa Provincial Government, dako kaayo nakong pasalamat ninyo nga nitiwas gayud kamo sa pag training ug boluntaryong miapil aning dakong tahas. Nagkinahanglan ang atoang probinsiya ug mga sama ninyu,” Davide said.

Feira Jaez Gillana, 19, a volunteer from Poro town, expressed her gratitude to the provincial government and the Camotes LGU.

“Dili lalim ang among training pero gikaya nako kay gusto man gyud ko makatabang sa oras nga nay katalagman sa among lugar maong ako gipaningkamotan nga mo survive gyud ko sa,” Gillana said.

Five out of 28 participants dropped out from the class and only 23 survived the rigorous training given by the PCG. The five-day training started last March 23 and culminated with a one-mile swim as graduation rites. (Chad Cordova Bacolod)

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