BALER, Aurora — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Aurora, in coordination with the Philippine Air Force (PAF), opened Monday a 15-day Search and Rescue Auxiliary Training (SARAT) Batch 2 for 43 responders from local government units (LGUs), the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Baler, and other participating units.

The training opened October 5 at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) of the PDRRMO Building in Barangay Suklayin, Baler, with the aim of strengthening the participants’ basic knowledge and skills in search and rescue operations in various terrains.

The SARAT is designed to prepare participants to serve as search and rescue (SAR) auxiliaries and force multipliers of the 505th Search and Rescue Group.

In his welcome remarks, PDRRMO Officer Engr. Amado Elson A. Egargue said the training goes beyond technical rescue skills, emphasizing capability, discipline, teamwork, and readiness among emergency responders.

“Every second counts,” Egargue said, stressing the importance of having trained and capable responders who can act promptly and coordinate effectively during disasters and other emergencies.

He thanked the PAF, particularly the Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon (TOWNOL), for sharing its expertise and experience to further enhance Aurora’s search and rescue capabilities.

Egargue also acknowledged the support of Gov. Isidro P. Galban for the province’s disaster preparedness and response programs, including capacity-building initiatives for local responders.

During the opening ceremony, PAF 2nd Lt. Venice Kaye T. Mallare, Assistant Training Officer of the Tactical Operations Group (TOG), presented the participants, while PAF Capt. Den Kurt L. Macapagal, Officer-in-Charge of the 505th Search and Rescue Group and course director, formally declared the training open.

In his message, Lt. Col. Randell R. Medina, Assistant Director for Operations of TOWNOL, emphasized the importance of having responders who are properly trained, coordinated, and capable of operating effectively during emergency situations. Medina said SARAT Batch 2 builds on the first batch conducted in January 2025 and reflects continuing cooperation between the PAF and local government units in strengthening disaster response capabilities.

He noted that such training is particularly important for Aurora given its geographical characteristics and exposure to various hazards that require rapid and organized response.

Medina urged the participants to take the training seriously, actively engage with their instructors, ask questions, and maximize the opportunity to develop their skills.

He also emphasized that effective search and rescue operations require more than technical knowledge, citing teamwork, discipline, communication, and trust among responders as essential elements during rescue missions.

Under the training schedule, participants will undergo rescue swimming and lifesaving techniques from October 6 to 11, followed by rope rescue techniques from October 12 to 16.

The training covers Basic Disaster Management Knowledge, Rescue Swimming and Lifesaving Techniques, and Rope Rescue Techniques. It will culminate in a closing and graduation ceremony.

The SARAT Batch 2 forms part of the province’s continuing efforts to expand its pool of trained responders and strengthen disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

It also reinforces coordination among the PDRRMO, PAF, LGUs, law enforcement agencies, and other emergency response organizations in providing timely and effective assistance during disasters and other emergencies. (Jason de Asis)