Antique: The provincial government here is taking steps to prevent more drowning incidents amid the alarming cases recorded in the past years. Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Broderick Train on Monday said the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) will provide technical assistance by sending Australian volunteer David Field of the Surf Life Saving Club to serve as a resource person for the drowning prevention learning conference and workshop on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the provincial government is alarmed by the 18 drowning incidents in 2025 and the two incidents in Culasi and San Remigio this year. The highest incidence for the last five years was recorded in 2022, with more than 22 fatalities. During the training workshop, Field will discuss topics on water safety, lifesaving, and lifeguarding.

The PDRRMO head emphasized that the plan to raise drowning prevention awareness will be concretized during the workshop and subsequently presented to the Antique provincial government. One of the key targets is to conduct a symposium in different schools to raise awareness among learners. The Antique Integrated Provincial Health Office will also lecture on cardio-pulmonary resuscitation or basic life support.

PDRRMO has been conducting similar training in the past, but the activity on Tuesday is bigger because of the participation of various stakeholders. The activity is also in observance of the World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25.