LAGAWE, IFUGAO– Sooner or later Ifugao shall surely reap the dividends of the well-meaning actions of the so-called Magnificent Seven individuals and two caring offices.
Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office’s (PDRRMO’s) Dionisio Baguidudol, Eric Tundagui, Gheres Bandao, Josephine Dominong and Jezzalyn Pumihic as well as Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Ifugao Chapter Maureen Balallo and SPO3 Moreno Cumahling of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Hingyon Station started the year on the right foot and a bright note by imparting vital information to the teaching and non-teaching staff of Hingyon National High School (HNHS) during a three-day Disaster Preparedness and Basic Life Support Seminar-Workshop.
Last January 8, the Ifugao PDRRMO and PRC-Ifugao Chapter recorded this milestone in the newly-built facility of the town’s major learning institution nestled in an upland portion of Northern Cababuyan village.
Participants attributed the success to the hard work and dedication of the seven men and women who served as resource speakers and facilitators of the all-important activity.
More specifically, the surge in interest of knowing fully well the rudiments of coping with the stress and tension during emergency situations can be traced in the tenor of questions raised by participants and interaction between the mentors and non-mentors alike and the Magnificent Seven.
Simulated demonstration of appropriate actions on bondage preparation, rope usage, Cardio-Pulmonary Respiration (CPR), splinting and carries revved up interest in gaining proper, relevant and updated knowhow and skills on responding to critical situations brought about by an accident as well as man-made and natural disasters or calamities.
While the occurrence of typhoons and earthquakes are not possible to deter, the horrendous effects of the same may be mitigated through preparedness on a long-term basis. Henceforth, the activity participants, the 26 or so of the HNHS, certainly can turn to their rare and meaningful experiences with the Magnificent Seven.
Mr. Baguidudol delivered an inspiring lecture on key provisions of the law on disaster preparedness. For her part, Ms. Balallo focused on the vitality of first aid information on the people’s daily lives.
This early, another seminar-workshop is being planned for HNHS students. This time around it is intended for classroom officers and student government officers primarily in the junior and senior levels.
“This activity is clearly an opportunity to do what is right during emergency situations at the classrooms, gymnasium and other places within the campus and I am so glad the activity served its purpose,” Johnny Binwag said.
Already, key materials and implements were purchased by the school to beef up its supplies and stocks, according to Mr. Binwag, the HNHS principal.
Guidance Counselor Renelita Ngatiyon also underscored the importance of the activity.
Under the national law on disaster preparedness, the PDRRMO plays a major role in attending to catastrophic instances such as a typhoon or storm. It is tasked to create plans before, during and after the occurrence of a typhoon.
“It shall include programs, projects and activities pertaining to lessening the discomfort of the people due to the effects of weather disturbances,” Baguidudol told the ZigZag Weekly.
In an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, PRC-Ifugao Chapter head Cherry Mae Barrio in lauding the partnership of her office and the PDRRMO stressed the timeliness and relevance of the exemplary deeds of the Magnificent Seven, in particular, and the participants, in general, as she aptly pointed out that “I have no doubt there are many in both offices who want to serve our people while nurturing a professional career.”
What a difference the actions of the Magnificent Seven truly made. It should be replicated elsewhere.
For three consecutive days the Magnificent Seven showed how their values were entirely different from the values of others. Walking along an unpaved and narrow mountain trail going to the school and back to the main road of this scenic barangay, for several hours of the three-day activity public service has grown by leaps and bounds, and has indeed overcome great challenges as Ifugao gears toward a new chapter of its history.
With the mission of the Magnificent Seven neatly accomplished, it’s time for many others in and out of government service to do their share– exemplify good values which also mean being unique.
For those who can respond affirmatively to the challenge, let them count the ways in helping an impoverished province like Ifugao make a turnaround and reward its people with better conditions by assuaging their pains and burden during trying times. ** By Anthony A. Araos
