Fratmen finish training as emergency responders

CEBU, Philippines —  At least 401 members of various fraternities graduated on Saturday from their training as emergency responders initiated by the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

In spearheading the training, CCDRRMO aims to further expand its response force in the event of emergencies.

The graduates completed 40 hours of training on basic rope rescue, basic life support, and firefighting in line with the city's program called Barangayan, Bayanihan, Volunteer Cebu Inter-Fraternity and Sorority Responders Group.

According to CCDRRMO’s statement, there will now be more people to help respond to emergencies up to the sitio level because of the program.

During the ceremony, Mayor Michael Rama told the graduates that their determination to serve as emergency responders should come from their hearts, as he called on them to apply what they have learned.

“Kita mobarog sa katarungan, moserbisyo sa kinasingkasing nga pagboluntaryo. The heart of volunteerism means we exist so others may live,” Rama said.

CDRRMO said the training showcased the ethos of volunteerism among fraternities and sororities as they were coached to be emergency responders.

“With fire prevention month, anti-hazing law, and the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, all in mind, the CCDRRMO and BFP trained volunteers from fraternities and sororities, within the city, with basic life support, basic fire-fighting and basic rope rescue practical courses to create an additional network of close-knit emergency responders not only in the barangay level but most especially in the sitio level,” CCDRRMO in a statement.

Office of Civil Defense-7 Director Marlou Salazar also embraced the program.

Salazar even suggested to other local government units to replicate the program in their respective jurisdictions.

He also advised the new graduates to always be calm.

He said it is normal to feel scared but being calm will be necessary to help control emergency situation. — JMD (FREEMAN)