‘Namintallo timmirik diay bangka, but we managed to finish strong’ - PDRRMO Luyaben on performance of Kalinga LUMIN-AWA Rescue Team in FIRST Northern Luzon Rescuelympics

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Despite repeated boat malfunctions, the Lumin-awa Rescue Team of Kalinga was recognized for its strong performance at the 1st Northern Luzon Rescuelympics during the inter-agency flag-raising ceremony held at the Kalinga Sports Complex, Capitol Hills, Bulanao on April 6, 2026.

Held at the Apayao River in Pudtol, Apayao from March 18 to 19, 2026, the 1st Northern Luzon Rescuelympics gathered around 3,000 rescue personnel from 15 provinces across Regions I, II, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). The event featured 11 provincial teams and two city teams from CAR, Ilocos Region, and Cagayan Valley.

Organized by the Office of Civil Defense–CAR in collaboration with OCD Regions I and II, the event carried the theme, “One Northern Luzon: Embracing Diversity, Fostering Unity, and Building Resiliency.” It served as a platform to strengthen inter-agency coordination, promote operational readiness, and enhance lifesaving capabilities among responders on the frontlines of disasters and emergencies.

During the inter-agency flag-raising ceremony, PRMMO Christian T. Luyaben reported that the team’s boat malfunctioned three times during the competition, significantly affecting their overall standing, which was at rank 7 out of 13.

“Our Lumin-awa Rescue Team did very well except during the swift water rescue. Tummirik gamin jay makina ti boat tayo, so we started second at the onset but ended up last. Namin tallu piman nga tummirik jay boat, which we believe would have propelled us maybe into the top 3 nu han kuma nga kasjay,” Luyaben said.

The team, nevertheless, secured 3rd place in the Amazing Race category and also earned a special citation as Best in Rescue Uniform, highlighting their discipline and professionalism throughout the competition.

Meanwhile, the Apayao team emerged as the overall champion in the region-wide event, demonstrating exceptional skill and coordination across multiple challenges and setting a high standard for inter-agency disaster response in Northern Luzon.