MANILA, Sept. 21 (PNA) — The Department of Health (DOH)-MIMAROPA said on Monday that 38 lifeguard trainees completed the Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Training held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from Sept. 14-18, 2015 in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Palawan District.
MIMAROPA Region consists of the island provinces of Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.
According to DOH-MIMAROPA Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo, the trained lifeguards will serve as the first line of defense in various resorts in Palawan with regard to safety and security of guests and tourists in the region.
He said that since guests and tourists usually go island-hopping in different places where they will be spending time in swimming or snorkeling, it is important to assure their safety as they enjoy MIMAROPA which is being promoted as tourist destination choice.
“We can now be assured that serious water incidents like drowning can be prevented and patients can be provided with immediate first-aid treatment and basic life support services,” Janairo added.
A total of 40 participants from 23 resorts in the region joined the WASAR training. Of them, 38 completed the training program conducted by the PCG-Palawan District headed by Commodore George V. Ursabia Jr.
The two trainees who did not complete the training were Edgar Latube of Aziza Paradise Hotel, who accidentally punctured his foot with a piece of metal during the qualifying course, and Jomel Magbanua of 67th Heaven Holiday Resort who went AWOL (absence without leave) on the fourth day.
According to Dr. Janairo, 28 other trainees have qualified for the next level of training for certification for another two weeks to be conducted by the PCG also in Puerto Princesa City.
“We will continue to coordinate with the PCG and conduct training programs for our lifeguards in MIMAROPA for them to be equipped with the essential lifesaving skills in order to preserve and safeguard the well-being not only of foreign tourists but also of our own fellow countrymen. Saving lives is not only the responsibility of medical responders but also of lifeguards,” Janairo said.
Those who completed the WASAR training program are Dennis Delgado, Paul Anthony Sheridan and Lorenzo Camias III of Ala Amid Resort; Romer Layda and Glenn Batiller of Sheridan; Mark Jayson Linganay and Michael Hermoso of Atremaru Jungle Retreat; Marlon Angeles and Rollie Gabo of Hotel Fleuris; Rodelyn Argonsol and Reymark Bernabe of Labelle Pension; Jomer Francia and Leo Lumibao of Daluyon; Allajed Ragudo and Reyco Palay of Citystate Asturias Hotel;
Jayson Ray Salor and Jomar Elpuz of The Legend Hotel; Garry Gonzaga and Louie Obeda of Eddie’s Bahay Aplaya; Rodean Florendo and Melchor Tiu III of Puerto Beach; Abegael Visitacion and Reynaldo Layosa of Isla Pandan; Shem Cabiguen and Mark David Nifras of Wanderpool; Mark Batistis and Rolando Puda of Palo Alto; Ronnaldo Pacina and Ireneo Gabo of Kawayanan Resort; Rober Abrica of Ponce De Leon Garden Resort; Glendel Ariscal of Pena Resort; Dennis Azucena of Hill Myna Beach Resort; Mark Angelo Caubalejo of Balay Tuko; Reinor Lumanang of Aziza Paradise Hotel; Ariel Lumaad of Dulce Vita; Rollie Villanueva of Oasis Villa; Patricio Villasan of Microtel; and Uegene Irang of 67th Heaven Holiday Resort. (PNA)