Over 1,000 participants from different regions across the country joined the opening of the Regional Rescue Jamboree at Binaybayon Convention Center in Baybay City, Province of Leyte.

The weeklong activity, that kicked off on July 14, 2025, is part of the observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month, according to Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Eastern Visayas

“The activity aims to improve the capabilities of the responders/rescuers and keep them abreast of the latest knowledge and skills in order to ensure a more prepared, responsive, and resilient  disaster response system,” a PIA Eastern Visayas report read. 

The event was led by Regional Director Lord Byron Torrecarion of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 8.

Torrecarion said that the “Regional Rescue Jamboree, now on its 9th year, has already evolved not only in terms of topics but also in terms of procedure.”

Other OCD officials including Assistant Secretary Cesar Idio, Assistant Secretary Henry Robinson Jr., regional directors from the 18 regions, uniformed personnel, local government officials led by Baybay Mayor Jose Carlos Cari, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officers, youth leaders, and volunteers graced the kick-off ceremony.

(Courtesy: CBA, RST/Philippine Information Agency 8)