OCD-12 opens 2012 Search and Rescue Network Summit

By Catherine T. Apelacio

Wednesday 30th of May 2012

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, May 30 (PIA) -- Eighteen search and rescue teams region-wide joined the 2012 Search and Rescue Network (SaRNet12) Summit which was formally opened Tuesday (May 29) at the CDC Family Resort here.

Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) 12 regional director Lita Enok, who is also the chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) 12 declared the event open.

In her welcome message, she described the activity as “significant” saying “we need to enhance the skills and knowledge of the search and rescue teams” in the region especially with the institutionalization of the Incident Command System (ICS).

The ICS, according to her will harmonize standards and protocols in emergency response in order to establish readiness in times of disaster.

The strengthening of ICS is pursuant to Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010.

Roy Dorado, OCD-12 chief of operations, said the event is an “emergency response capacity development initiative which aims to help disaster workers and volunteers not only identify needs and resources but also fill in gaps in terms of coordination and constraints in the availability of resources” during calamities.

The summit also hopes to strengthen the camaraderie among SaRNet12 organization members which became inactive after it was organized in 2004.

One of the highlights of the summit is the competition on the simulation of emergency response to landslide and flooding incidents among participants.

The competing participants came from different search and rescue organizations of different local and national government institutions to include the private and civil society groups in Region 12.

The best teams and winners will be judged according to their performances in simulating five activities, namely: swift water rescue, river crossing, hailing, highline, and artificial respiration/cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (AR/CPR).

The summit winners of five best teams will be receiving plaques and trophies from the OCD/RDRRMC-12.

Aside from the drill, participants will also conduct an election of officers who will lead SaRNet12 for 2012-2013.

Enok said OCD Administrator Usec. Benito Ramos is expected to grace the event’s closing program as guest speaker on Thursday, May 31.

Ramos will also administer the oathtaking for the new set of officers of SaRNet12 and lead the signing of the covenant among them enshrining their commitment to sustainable partnership in the long haul.

“We are so inspired seeing all of you here,” Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 Asst. Director Gemma Rivera told the pool of rescuers saying that should something bad happen they will be there skilled enough and ready to give help.

The Bureau of Fire Protection 12, Dept. of Health-Health Emergency Management Staff 12, Philippine Coast Guard, 5053rd Search and Rescue Squadron, DSWD-12, and the OCD-12 comprised the evaluators who will determine the 5 winners of the competition. (CTA/PIA General Santos City)