“Actual life-saving moments can be difficult” — OPHRMO Flores shares realization on value of hands-on training for life-saving situations

“...Kunam nga kayam ngem nu aramidem gayam ti actual ket nagrigat, how much more nu adda ka mismo ti life-saving moment?” — OPHRMO Grace K. Flores

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Provincial Human Resource Management Officer Grace K. Flores stressed the importance of hands-on training in preparing government employees to respond effectively during emergencies, particularly in actual life-saving situations.

Flores made the statement after briefly participating in a Basic Life Support (BLS) training during the final general meeting for the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) on September 15 at the New Conference Hall in Bulanao.

The BLS training forms part of the four-day Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Course conducted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) as part of the PCSA celebration.

The training is implemented under GANDAng HR: The Kalinga Public Service Convergence, an initiative that seeks to establish the Lingkod Bayani Volunteer Corps–Kalinga, a pool of trained government employees ready to augment emergency response and disaster management efforts.

Flores emphasized that learning emergency response procedures should go beyond theoretical knowledge, as actual emergencies require people to apply their knowledge and skills under pressure.

“Diay kunam nga kayam ngem nu aramidem gayam ti actual ket nagrigat, how much more nu adda ka mismo ti life-saving moment? Mayat metlang nga ag-attend tayo gayam ti kastoy nga seminars,” she said.

The four-day DRRM course was conducted in two batches. The first batch, held on September 8, was attended by employees of the Provincial Government of Kalinga (PLGU), while the second batch on September 15 included participants from national government agencies, the academe and uniformed services.

A total of 74 participants underwent the training, which was conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) and the Department of Health (DOH).

Through the initiative, the provincial government aims to strengthen the emergency response skills of government employees and build a pool of trained personnel who can provide immediate assistance and augment response efforts during emergencies and disasters.

The establishment of the Lingkod Bayani Volunteer Corps–Kalinga also supports the broader goal of developing a more prepared and responsive government workforce capable of assisting communities during critical situations.