CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices from Pampanga convened once again for the second “Pampanga Olympics on First Aid and Basic Life Support.” The event took place on Tuesday, August 29, at the Bren Z Guiao Convention Center.
On behalf of Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, PDRMMO Chief Angelina Blanco led the activity in collaboration with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Central Luzon Center for Health Development of the Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Fire Protection(BFP), and the Philippine Red Cross Pampanga and Angeles Chapter.
Blanco emphasized that the event aims to assess and enhance the province’s capacity-building initiatives to set quality standards in disaster preparedness and response.
“This olympics and other trainings na ginagawa natin, iyan ang mga investment ni Governor Delta sa ating mga rescuers. It’s a reminder that while we aim to be experts on our field, we should never forget the basics. Governor Delta is very proud sa lahat ng mga rescuers sa Pampanga dahil lahat nag-improve na talaga. First hand nakita namin ito sa pag-ikot namin noong kasagsagan ng bagyong egay at falcon,” Blanco explained.
The Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) pledged support and commitment to aiding local government units in promoting disaster resilience across the province.
OCD also lauded the conduct of the olympics, noting its value as not only a platform for training and skill development but also for fostering valuable networks.
“We commend the Pampanga PDRRMC for this activity not only will you enhance your knowledge, not only will you learn sportsmanship, not only will you be enhancing your skills but also you will build network and collaboration between and among local government units within Pampanga,”remarked Shelby Ruiz, chairperson of RDRRMC3 and officer-in-charge of OCD3.
This year, Mabalacat CDRRMO retained their title as the overall champions, while San Fernando CDRRMO secured first place in the Olympics.
Other winners include: Porac MDRRMO (2nd Place), San Luis MDRRMO (3rd Place), and Lubao MDRRMO (4th Place).
Special awards were presented to the following for excelling in various categories: Minalin MDRRMO (Best in Uniform and Best in Adult CPR with AED), Mabalacat CDRRMO (Best in Bandaging Relay), San Fernando CDRRMO (Best in Lifting and Moving Relay), and Porac MDRRMO (Best in Situational Analysis and Application).
All winners received trophies, cash prizes, and additional equipment for first aid and basic life support.
Participating teams also received consolation prizes, certificates of participation, and recognition.
The 2nd Pampanga Olympics serves as the culminating activity for National Disaster Resilience Month. It was postponed due to the compounded effects of typhoons Egay and Falcon, intensified by monsoon rains.