Bontoc, Mountain Province – In a significant step in empowering the youth and engaging them towards disaster resiliency in the community, the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) through the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) in strong collaboration with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Bontoc Emergency Response Team (BERT) spearheaded a three-day day Mountain Search and Rescue (MOSAR) training.
The advanced skills training commenced on August 29, 2024, at Kidla-a Hotel, with an introductory session covering the fundamentals and significance of rescue operations.
A total of 40 youth participants, including members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), are actively taking part in the training.
According to Local Youth Development Officer III Ross Kiat-ong, the training is designed to empower young individuals by providing them with vital disaster response skills while promoting a culture of preparedness within the community.
LDRRM Officer II Meilynne Shalom Ayan lectured on the review of the 5 Emergency Action Principles, which include Scene Safety, Activated medical assessment, Initial assessment of the victim, Secondary assessment of the victim, and referral of the victim for further management and evaluation.
LYD Officer Kiat-ong and BERT member TullidKristPachingel facilitated the review on Bandaging Techniques, Basic Rope Care and Maintenance, and BERT member Ashley Vergara was tasked with the review and demonstration of the Basic Knot Tying Techniques.
For the practical mountain rescue exercises, it took place on August 30 -31, 2024, which was facilitated by the trained personnel from the LYDO, MDRRMO and BERT members.
Prior to the conduct of the three-day MOSAR Training, LYD Officer Kiat-ong coordinated with MDRRM Officer Johanna Padaen for technical assistance, along with the provision of necessary logistics by the MDRRMO.
Recognizing the importance of enhancing the capabilities of youth and their contributions to disaster response, Padaen immediately gave the full support of the MDRRMO in the said activity.
Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., was elated when informed of the number of youth who heeded the invitation of the Bontoc LGU to undergo the advanced training.
With this, he expressed his sincerest gratitude to the participants for their sense of volunteerism and their willingness to learn.
This effort is also a part of the Youth CARES program of the LYDO, which stands for Championing Excellence and Dynamism with Access to Equitable Opportunities with Responsible and Responsive Governance, with a focus on Environmentally and Economically-sound Appropriate Plans for Sustainable Development Initiatives..** Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan, Bontoc LGU