Emergencies and disasters can happen at any place, any time, and with great speed. People at home or those busy working at the office should never get too complacent, as these unwanted events may strike without warning. With this, some employees of the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) underwent a 3-day Disaster Mitigation and Response Training led by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on April 20 – 22,2022. The event was organized by the MNWD Engineering and Environment Department (EED) and the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committee, headed by Sonjun O. Millares.

On the first day of training, the trainees were introduced to the fire safety services, basic principles of fire safety, and the chemistry of fire, that is: Oxygen, Fuel, Heat, and Chemical Reaction. SFO1 Aureo SJ Pomposo with FO1 Felix Francis Torallo were the speakers for day one. MNWD Acting General Manager, Emma Cuyo, and Board of Directors Chairperson, Gilbert Albero likewise graced the event with their presence.

The following day of training covered Rescue and Emergency Medical Operation, wherein the trainees were taught basic search and rescue principles, rescue methods and techniques, bandaging, and basic life support. FO3 Marvin Heinz Nebres, FO3 Ivy Belleza, and FO1 Mae Ann Puche conducted the session.

The most challenging part of the training happened on the last day, as it demanded some physical exertion from the trainees. Day three was held at the BFP Naga City Fire Station. The MNWD employees were taught about fire suppression and control, and of tools and equipment used in firefighting. They were also given a written test and a practical exam as the culminating activity wherein they got the chance to experience what it is like to quench fire using the BFP equipment (fire truck, hose, and PPEs). The Department Manager of the Administrative Services Division (ASD), Jon Louie Sanchez, extended gratitude in behalf of MNWD to the BFP Fire Officers for sharing their expertise, while some of the participants shared their insights and experiences during the awarding.

Throughout the training, it was emphasized that presence of mind and quick response is a must in times of disasters. “Don’t panic”, as SFO1 Pomposo would say; because anxiety can affect how the body must react. We can therefore conclude that disaster mitigation and response does not only depend on the physical strength of one’s person, but more importantly on the ability to react quickly and rationally on the situation at hand. Having the most basic know-how on emergency response can help save lives and properties, which is why it is always better to be prepared, plan things ahead, and attend trainings that increase our capabilities. (YMMSavilla)

MNWD trainees were introduced to bandaging techniques during their session on Rescue and Emergency Medical Operation.

Training on basic life support thru Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – a procedure that can help save lives in case of emergencies.

Day 3 of the training included actual application and exercise of firefighting, including the discussion on firefighting equipment and PPEs,

Trainees practiced the proper use of fire extinguishers on their actual exercise, applying the PASS method.

As practical test, trainees underwent a simulation of firefighting using BFP equipment with minimal assistance.

MWND trainees with (front row) DRRMC Chairman – Sonjun Millares (wearing blue polo shirt), ASD Department Manager – Jon Louie Sanchez (wearing white), BFP SFO1 Aureo SJ Pomposo (wearing face mask), and other trainers.