By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
KALIBO, Aklan — Disaster councils in Aklan took part in the 1st Gov. Florencio “Joeben” Miraflores Rescue Olympics at the ABL Sports and Cultural Center on July 25 here.
Twelve teams from Malinao, Makato, Tangalan, Ibajay, Kalibo, Malay, Batan, Madalag, Libacao, Nabas, Numancia, and Banga towns participated, said Galo Ibardolaza, executive officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
Search and rescue personnel displayed their skills in firefighting, rescuing people trapped in a vehicle, basic life support, and first aid.
Makato DRRMC was adjudged Best in Vehicular Accident Extrication.
Kalibo was Best in Firefighting; Libacao, Best in Basic Life Support; Numancia, Best in Uniform; and Malay, Best in Rescue Equipment Display.
Malay DRRMC emerged as the overall champion.
Kalibo settled for first runner-up, while Tangalan was second runner-up.
The Rescue Olympics aimed to enhance the DRRMCs capacities to respond in times of disasters, emergencies, and accidents, and to heighten the rescue and first-aid teams’ awareness on disaster management.
It was a joint undertaking of the PDRRMC and the provincial government.
The activity was part of the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month this July themed, “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran.”
Executive Order No. 137 declared July of every year as National Disaster Consciousness Month. (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
