The College of Education Laboratory High School Department of the North La Union Campus tapped the Office of Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of the Municipality of Bacnotan, La Union for the two-day training on basic life support and basic firefighting on May 12-13, 2022 at the Central Park, DMMMSU NLUC.

The training aims to provide the students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitude to confidently perform basic life support techniques in order to save lives. Thirty-three (33) Grade-11 students and three Student Body Organization officers participated in the said training.

The two-day training was divided into three parts: orientation, demonstration, and simulation. SF01 Noly T. Geraban reiterated that disaster is inevitable but proactiveness and preparedness can help save people’s lives.

“Disaster management is not only for those who are in the medical field and are part of the rescue team, but also for all as everybody is vulnerable,” said SFO2 Geraban.

During the first day of the training, the students were grouped into four different teams and were assigned to four different stations: Basic Life Support, Wound Management, Bandaging Techniques, and Carrying and Dragging Techniques. Each team has to carry out all the tasks assigned from each station.

On the second day, SF02 Ferdinand L. Fabian together with Edmar D. Sumulong, MDRRM Assistant, demonstrated various fire prevention and firefighting techniques. Meanwhile, FO1 John Conrad B. Abat and F01 Anjanette O. Tuquero discussed and demonstrated how to operate a fire extinguisher where students had the chance to participate in the fire suppression simulations.

As part of the culminating activity, their skills were tested through simulation exercises. The senior high students had the opportunity to apply what they have learned from the two-day training. During the closing program, the local government of Bacnota distributed emergency kits to the participants.

“Sobrang saya, marami kaming natutunan,” exclaimed by Rexson C. Galvez, Grade 11 student, during the interview. He also added that the training is important for them to be equipped with the essential competencies in basic lifesaving and firefighting so that they could use them during emergencies.

Meanwhile, Cher Yzandra C. Pocsidio, Grade 11 student, wishes that there would be a follow-up training to refresh their minds and continue skills, so they can hopefully use it in the future. “Overall, the fun and knowledge I gained weigh more than the tiresome two days we had,” she expressed.

“Things get easier when disaster is managed proactively, that’s why we are grateful to DMMMSU NLUC Laboratory High School Department for giving us the opportunity to train its learners,” MDRRM Officer Romel L. Montepalco said.

In a short exchange with Prof. Joan S. Valdez, Chairperson of the Laboratory High School Department expressed her gratitude to Mayor Francisco Angelito L. Fontanilla for granting the request of LHS to conduct the basic life support and basic firefighting training.

“Organizing this activity is one of our gestures of providing authentic learning to our students to help them to be holistically developed,” Prof. Valdez added.

The said training is part of the culminating activity in the Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction (DRRR) course of Grade 11- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand. (Elen Rose A. Padua)