Eastern Visayas: The Philippine Army has announced an improvement in the disaster response capability of its soldiers in Eastern Visayas following a three-day Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response training.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division reported that 120 soldiers, along with personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection rescue unit, successfully completed the training held from May 21 to 23. The initiative is part of a proactive approach to disaster preparedness in the region.
The training comprised academic lectures and simulations of large-scale disaster scenarios. These included high-angle and mountain search and rescue, urban search and rescue, real-time medical evacuation operations, and survival knot-tying exercises. The purpose of these activities was to enhance inter-unit coordination and strengthen overall readiness for disaster situations.
Col. Ronald M. Illana, commander of the Philippine Army's Joint Task Group-Tacloban, expressed confidence in the improved capabilities, stating, "This training, as part of the Pagparig-on (strengthening) exercise, is a manifestation of our commitment to protect lives and communities through shared responsibility. With this training, we are confident that we will be able to save more lives, as we are now more prepared than ever."
Lord Byron Torrecarion, the regional director of the Office of Civil Defense Eastern Visayas, underscored the significance of a proactive and anticipatory approach to disaster preparedness. He highlighted that capacity building for uniformed and reserve responders is vital in safeguarding communities and reinforcing national security during crises.
Torrecarion remarked, "As natural disasters continue to grow in severity, this Pagparig-on exercise reinforces our willingness to serve not only as defenders of the nation in times of conflict and peace, but also as first responders during natural calamities."
Given its geographic location, Eastern Visayas is one of the most calamity-prone areas in the Philippines, as it faces the Pacific Ocean on the eastern side and lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire.
