PNP conducts disaster preparedness challenge

Representatives of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police distribute a copy of the 28-page Disaster Preparedness Manual to local government units and other partner-agencies and organizations on March 25 at the Tabacalera Function Hall in Laoag City during the provincial launching of the Oplan Listo program. The manual containing a checklist of early preparations in times of natural and man-made calamity hopes to assists LGUs in formulating disaster preparedness plans, allowing them to know if they are ready, and what they need to do to meet the minimum levels of readiness. Also in photo are: Officer-in-charge Julie Daquioag of the DILG Regional Office I, Provincial DILG officer Roger Daquioag and Major Randy Baoit, Bacarra chief of police. (Lei Adriano)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

San Fernando City, La Union—The eight-man Search, Rescue and Retrieval (SRR) team of the  La Union police  have been adjudged as the champion in a just concluded disaster preparedness competition on March 17.

Dubbed as “Rehiyon Uno Panagsagana Contra Risgo ken Didigra (RPCRD) Challenge, police personnel from the four provinces in Region competed in the disaster preparedness challenge held at the parade ground of Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) and Union Galva Steel Coastal Ground.

Police Chief Supt. Roman A. Felix, police Regional Director, said the first runner-up was bagged by Ilocos Norte police followed by Ilocos Sur police as second runner-up and Pangasinan police placing third runner-up.

Aside from receiving trophy each, the champion received a cash prize of P20,000 while the first runner up received P15,000, P10,000 for second runner-up and P5,000 for third runner-up.

During the event, the teams competed in at least five categories. These are: search, rescue and retrieval physical fitness test which include proper handling of ladder and stretcher, one man carry, and life ring throwing; basic knot tying; first aid; boat handling, and water rescue.

As part of the capacity building efforts of the PNP to enhance the skills of police personnel and civilian counterparts in disaster preparedness, Mr. Felix said the competition is also a way of strengthening camaraderie and solidarity of the search and rescue teams in actual disaster operations.

For his part, Director Melchito M. Castro, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense Region 1 (OCDR1) and Chairman of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center 1 (RDRRMC1) expressed his gratitude to the PNP Regional Office for initiating the said competition which clearly manifests their sincere desire to save lives and properties.

He likewise stressed the value of sportsmanship in the said competition and emphasized that said event is not only meant for professional advancement but towards expression of compassion to fellow men in times of emergency situations.

“The PRO1 as member of RDRRMC1 and as frontline responder during disaster has a corporate responsibility to hone its own abilities in order to prepare for the worst disaster. Together, let us continually work as a team in order to have safer, adaptive and resilient Filipino communities towards sustainable development,” Mr. Castro added.