Capiz: The Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) bested their counterparts in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental, bagging the championship during the two-day 2025 Regional 'Rescuelympics' organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) that ended on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Capiz secured the championship crown after bagging the Excellence Awards for water search and rescue, vehicle extrication, and basic life support and standard first aid. Last year, they also emerged victorious. OCD Western Visayas spokesperson Maria Cristina Mayor noted in an interview that the disciplines this year differed from the previous year's challenges.

Aklan achieved first runner-up by winning the air-to-ground support, while Antique, which excelled in the collapsed structure search and rescue, was declared second runner-up. Antique also received a special award for best in static display of response capabilities. Meanwhile, Iloilo and Negros Occidental received consolation prizes.

The previous year's competencies included bucket relay, fire-fighting, and medical assistance relay. Mayor highlighted that while capabilities and response assets were mostly on an equal footing, Capiz had a slight advantage. The 'Rescuelympics' initiative, which began under Director Raul Fernandez, aims not only to foster competition but also to enhance interoperability among the provinces.

Mayor further explained that the event's second day focused on competition, whereas the first day was dedicated to knowledge sharing.