CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office-7 is conducting a five-day seminar on Disaster Preparedness, Rescue and Relief Operation for the Regional Public Safety Battalion personnel.
Supt. Clarito Baja of the PRO-7 Police Community Relation office said that the training and seminar that started last Monday will end on Friday.
The seminar aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of the RPSB personnel in rescue and relief operations during disasters.
He said that it is vital that they know the ABCs of rescue operations since they usually are the first responders.
There are 61 RPSB personnel chosen to participate in the seminar. They will be assigned in Bohol, Cebu and Negros Oriental.
Baja said that the seminar was supposed to be conducted last year but was delayed due to the series of calamities happened.
"Nagplano na unta mi ani last year, pero naglinog ug bagyo man to, mao nga wala gyud namo madayon," Baja said.
He said that his is the first time that they conducted such training.
He said the seminar will make a big difference in the conduct of actual operations as the knowledge of RPSB personnel will be widened.
Baja said that aside from the training, they also need equipment in order to perform well during disaster.
"We have the equipments but is not really enough," he said, adding that they need more rubber boats, life jackets, and first aid kits.
Those who conducted the training were representatives from the Bureau of Fire and Protection; Philippine Volcanology and Seismology; Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration; Mines and Geosciences Bureau; and the Philippine Red Cross. (FREEMAN)