Ang Pahayagan

PAMPANGA — The Central Luzon Regional Rescue Challenge 2025 concluded on a high note after four days of intensive competition, with Aurora Province clinching the championship in Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) and Pampanga taking the spotlight as the Overall Champion across all categories.

 Organized by the Office of Civil Defense Region III (OCD R3) in coordination with local government disaster risk reduction and management offices, the challenge was held across various sites in Porac and Apalit, Pampanga. It brought together the top rescue teams from across Region III to test their capabilities through a series of simulated emergency operations.

Participating teams were evaluated in four major categories: Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), Mountain Search and Rescue (MOSAR), Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR), and Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) management.

In his closing address, OCD R3 Regional Director Amador Corpus praised the participating responders for their perseverance and exemplary performance despite the physical and mental challenges.

“You’ve been tested physically, mentally, and perhaps emotionally. From enduring the heat and rain to navigating mud and fatigue—you remained steadfast. That’s the kind of dedication that defines our DRRM community in Central Luzon,” said Director Corpus.

The event also aligned with the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM), carrying the theme: “Kayang Umaksyon ng Mamamayan na Isabuhay ang Kahandaan ng Bawat Isa Para Maging Ligtas sa Oras ng Sakuna” (“Every citizen has the capacity to act and embody preparedness for safety during disasters”).

Official Results

Water Search and Rescue (WASAR)

 • Champion: Aurora

• 1st Runner-Up: Pampanga

• 2nd Runner-Up: Nueva Ecija

• 3rd Runner-Up: Bulacan

• 4th Runner-Up: Bataan

Mountain Search and Rescue (MOSAR)

• Champion: Bulacan

• 1st Runner-Up: Aurora

• 2nd Runner-Up: Pampanga

• 3rd Runner-Up: Nueva Ecija

Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR)

• Champion: Pampanga

• 1st Runner-Up: Bulacan

Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)

• Champion: Pampanga

• 1st Runner-Up: Bulacan

• 2nd Runner-Up: Aurora

• 3rd Runner-Up: Nueva Ecija

• 4th Runner-Up: Bataan

Overall Champion: Pampanga

The awarding of winners was led by officials from the Philippine Association of Local Government Units for DRRM Officers, Inc. (PALOI), joined by RD Corpus.

Notable impressions were shared by Mr. Edwin Manalese, Executive Vice President of PALOI, and Mr. Cesar M. Carlos, MDRRMO of Apalit, representing Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr.

Both officials acknowledged the participants’ high level of professionalism, technical aptitude, and teamwork—emphasizing that such initiatives are crucial to strengthening regional disaster resilience.

Director Corpus urged teams to carry forward the knowledge and camaraderie built during the competition to improve community preparedness and response capabilities.

“Let us continue working together for a safer and more disaster-resilient Central Luzon. Mabuhay kayong lahat,” he concluded.

The event closed with a group photo session, capturing the unity and spirit of cooperation that defined this year’s challenge—an enduring testament to the region’s collective commitment to saving lives and building resilient communities. (Jason de Asis) Caption: Regional Director Amador Corpus commends the unwavering dedication of Central Luzon’s rescue teams during his closing message at the 2025 Regional Rescue Challenge. He emphasizes unity, resilience, and the shared mission of building safer, disaster-ready communities. (Jason de Asis)