Students from several schools in Calasiao, Pangasinan joined emergency response training led by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) as part of efforts to prepare young people for disasters and emergencies.

The training covered basic life support, first aid bandaging, choking management, proper lifting and moving of patients, patient transport, and basic ambulance operations, according to the Calasiao MDRRMO.

Officials said the sessions aimed to equip students with practical knowledge they can use during disasters and real-life emergencies.

“Nag-undergo din po sila ng introduction sa water search and rescue, kasama ng basic ropemanship. Our water survival techniques ang itinuturo sa kanila,” Kristine Joy Soriano, spokesperson of the Calasiao MDRRMO, said.

The MDRRMO said Calasiao has become a training hub for disaster preparedness, with schools from nearby towns and even private-sector employees from other regions seeking similar instruction.

“Open naman kami lagi para tumulong at mag-share ng aming kaalaman, kakayahan, upang mas lalo po tayong dumami na mga may kaalaman pagdating sa mga pag-responde,” Soriano said.

One of the participants, Jo-Jyn Martinez, said the training would be useful beyond the classroom.

“Iyong training po namin is madami pong natututuhan dito and talagang real-life training. Magagamit po talaga sa labas,” Martinez said.

Local officials said they plan to continue the program as part of the town’s disaster preparedness and community safety initiatives.