Ang Pahayagan

PAMPANGA — Under the theme “KUMIKILOS: Kayang Umaksyon ng Mamamayan na Isabuhay ang Kahandaan ng Bawat Isa Para Maging Ligtas sa Oras ng Sakuna,” the Central Luzon Regional Rescue Challenge 2025 officially commenced at the ASLAG Complex in Barangay Sampaloc, Apalit, Pampanga.

The event marks one of the key activities celebrating National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) this July.

The opening ceremony was graced by several local and regional officials, with messages of support and encouragement delivered by Apalit Vice Mayor Peter Nucom on behalf of Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr., and Ms. Janica Mikhail Yambao, head of the Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), representing Governor Lilia G. Pineda.

Office of Civil Defense Region 3 (OCD R3) Regional Director Amador V. Corpus led the formal opening and emphasized the event’s significance not only as a test of skills but also as a reaffirmation of the responders’ dedication to public service, safety, and preparedness.

“This event is not merely a competition of strength and skill. It is a celebration of our collective commitment to protect our people, our communities, and our future,” said Director Corpus in his keynote address.

The opening day began with a grand motorcade, followed by a torch lighting ceremony led by team leaders from participating provinces and Mr. Francis Mikhail Guinto, Pampanga representative from the City of San Fernando. The oath of sportsmanship was led by Aris Jae Lacson from the Apalit DRRM Office.

A highlight of the event was the Search for DRRM Ambassadress, aimed at promoting disaster awareness and leadership among youth advocates. The program then proceeded to the preliminary round of the rescue challenges, with evaluators from the Office of Civil Defense providing an operational briefing on the mechanics of the competition.

Participating teams hailed from the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga. Events include Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), Mountain Search and Rescue (MOSAR), Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR), and Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) response.

The event also highlighted the vital contributions of the Technical Working Group, composed of personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard, 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection Region 3, and the Department of Health – Central Luzon Center for Health Development.

The Rescue Challenge will run until July 11 and is hosted by the Pampanga Association of Local DRRM Officers, Inc. (PALOI) and the DRRMOs Association of Central Luzon, Inc. (ACLI), in coordination with the municipalities of Apalit and Porac.

Director Corpus lauded the organizers, evaluators, and volunteers for their commitment and posed a challenge: “Who will rise to host the Regional Rescue Challenge 2026?”

As the NDRM continues throughout July, the Regional Rescue Challenge serves as a reminder that disaster preparedness is a daily commitment—not just a yearly celebration. With strengthened partnerships, skillful responders, and united communities, Central Luzon stands more resilient than ever. (Jason de Asis)