MANILA, Philippines -- The United States Civil Military Support Element – Philippines (CMSE PHL), in partnership with the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG) – on January 12 and 13, Zambales, conducted training for 25 first responders in Masinloc, Zambales.

First responders from the Masinloc Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Masinloc Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Office, staff from Candelaria District Hospital, Masinloc Emergency Medical Services, and other local volunteer organizations were taught basic medical knowledge and CPR, and were guided through tailored scenarios designed to train participants in providing urgent, on-the-spot care to save lives. The training also expanded the medical capabilities of participants to administer care for citizens injured during emergencies or natural disasters.

“Accidents happen unexpectedly. They can happen to a family member, our friends, the community, and as force multipliers and volunteers, the knowledge of Basic Life Support is a must. The conduct of Basic Life Support training will provide us the knowledge and skills that we need to be efficient and effective responders in some life-threating incidents, and we are grateful today for we have our friends [CMSE PHL] sharing their time and experience with us,” said PNP-MG Zambales, Iba Substation Commander PCPT Jayson Baldoz.

“It’s a great privilege for us to be able to share our knowledge through this type of bilateral outreach with our partners. We all aspire to achieve the common goal, to help out our fellow citizens in times of emergencies. I hope this training has enhanced our partners’ capabilities and skillset to achieve this goal and save lives in times of emergencies,” said CMSE PHL Team Sergeant, SFC Eric Cunanan.

This training exemplifies the close relationship between American and Philippine friends, partners, and allies in strengthening disaster response and emergency management capacity in the Philippines.