Davao del Norte passes good governance seal

by Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte – The Provincial Government of Davao del Norte made it to the 2015 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for its sustained effort in promoting transparency and accountability while beefing up programs that directly benefit the people.

In a letter received by the Provincial Administrator’s Office on August 11, 2015, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas informed Governor Rodolfo del Rosario that the province earned the recognition.

“Congratulations for making it…” Roxas announced.

He said the province has met all the criteria of the core components of the award, particularly good financial housekeeping (GFH), social protection and disaster preparedness.

The province also met the requirements for all the other essential components of the Seal, to include business-friendliness and competitiveness, environmental management, and peace and order.

The secretary revealed the award entitled the PLGU to access the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) for this year in the amount of P7 million.

Other privileges due the province include the securing of GFH certification for loan purposes, as well as, availing of other national program windows like Bottom-Up Budgeting Program and the SALINTUBIG program.

Del Rosario welcomed the award, saying it is a manifestation of the success of his reform initiatives under his human-centered P.E.O.P.L.E. development agenda.

“More than the glowing recognition and awards heaped upon us, it is more valuable to touch lives and create a ripple effect by which those lives can touch more lives,” the governor said in his recent State of the Province Address.

The SLGL succeeded the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) award, of which the province was also a recipient in the past years.

DILG Secretary Mar Roxas previously said the SGLG was introduced to provide greater challenge to local governments to continue good governance practices while providing better services.

Conferment of the SGLG marker and the PCF cheque is tentatively scheduled from the third to fourth week of August, according to the DILG memorandum signed by Usec. Austere Panadero.##

Best PDRRMC DavNor wins Gawad Kalasag Award

by Charlene E. Luna/DavNor PIO

Davao City – Davao del Norte won this year’s Regional Search for Gawad Kalasag Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) for its heightened climate change adaption (CCA) and DRRM efforts.

Office of the Civil Defense-XI Regional Director Liza Mazo conferred the Best Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council award to Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, during the Culmination of the National Disaster Consciousness Month Observation August 10, 2015 at the Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City.

Mazo, Chair of the Regional DRRM Council cited Davao del Norte’s intensified CCA-DRRM policies, program and projects that enabled the province to sustain its zero casualty feat in all the calamities that visited the province for the past years.

The province stood out in the categories assessed based on thematic areas of preparedness, mitigation, response, rehabilitation and recovery.

Some innovations of the province include, among others, the Oplan ANDAM (Advocacy for Natural Disaster Awareness and Management) program, which intends to create ever-ready and resilient communities, who are capable of building back better, as well as, the creation of the One DavNor Rescue banding together all the responders from all LGUs in the province, under the Provincial Alliance of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (PADRRMO).

Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario vowed the sustained commitment of the province to its CCA-DRRM policies, program and projects “with as much enthusiasm for the sake of a better future for our people”.

“Laying the foundation for the safety and resilience of our people is a huge accomplishment for us, far greater than any award in the world” he said.

Davao del Norte’s CCA-PDRRM Executive Director Romulo Tagalo shared the recognition to all the Dabaonon people.

“The award is simply a consolation. The real winners really are the people who responded to the policy of Governor del Rosario,” he said.

He revealed the province will soon implement phase two of OPLAN A.N.D.A.M to bring the preparedness measures to the coastal areas for tsunami prone areas, in line with the governor’s mandate to ensure zero casualties.

“Gawad Kalasag” (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) was established in 1998 which annually recognizes local government units/organizations, non-government organizations, private sectors and individuals who contributed exemplary efforts in raising disaster awareness and preparation scheme.##

OCD-XI Regional Director Liza Mazo, second left, confers the Best PDRRMC award to Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, who is joined by DILG-XI Reg’l Director Ananias Villacorta, left, and CCA-DRRM Exec. Dir. Romulo Tagalo, right. Reymund Faciol/DavNor PIO

DRH launches HI-5, eyes zero mortality

by Charlene E. Luna/DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte – Davao Regional Hospital (DRH) launched the Hospital High Impact Five (HI-5) program to reduce mortality and promote better health services.

Led by the Department of Health, HI-5 is an inter-agency program that aims to attain the country’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with full cooperation from the local government units and other health stakeholders.

Department of Health (DOH)-XI Regional Director Abdullah Dumama revealed the strategies to attain the MDGs include reducing infant mortality by 20%, reducing under-five mortality by 22%, reducing maternal mortality by 57%, reducing cases of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus/Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) by 40% and increasing the service delivery networks within the sector.

“The capability and efficiency of the health professionals plus of course ang tatlong district hospitals ng Davao del Norte at saka ang Davao Regional Hospital, yun talaga ang nagpa-angat ng service development network” Dumama said.

“It has been so high. From January to June, more or less we have about 80 maternal deaths already and it’s not really welcoming. Isang mortality lang is alarming already” Dumama said.

“Ang gusto ko talagang ma-adress ay kung bakit napakaraming IPs (ang namamatay). If we will just address all the IPs, it will generate a very nice impact.” he added, as he disclosed high mortality cases recorded in Davao del Sur which greatly affected the Indigenous people (IP).

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario expressed the all-out support of the provincial government to the Hi-5 program.
“SDN is one of the best practices of Davao del Norte” the governor bared as he proudly revealed that the service delivery network has penetrated far-flung areas in the province.

He proudly cited the zero maternal mortality rate among Lumad mothers in Talaingod, which is the only tribal municipality in the Davao Region with IPs comprising 70 percent of the town’s population.
“No mother should in childbirth,” del Rosario said.##

(R-L) DOH-XI Regional Director Abdullah Dumama, Davao Regional Hospital (DRH) Director Asec. Romulo Busuego, Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, and Mayor Allan Rellon during the launch of the Hospital High Impact Five (HI-5) program in DRH, Tagum City. Reymund Faciol/DavNor PIO

Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario and DOH-XI Regional Director Abdullah Dumama unveils the Hospital High Impact Five (HI-5) program in Davao Regional Hospital, Tagum City. Reymund Faciol/DavNor PIO

Regional Director Abdullah Dumama says HI-5 aims to attain the country’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals. Reymund Faciol/DavNor PIO

DavNor’s PPP boosts health program, local income

by Noel P. Baguio/DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte government’s partnership with the private sector has not only improved the health programs but increased the income of the province, as well.

Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario said the local government has collaborated with private hospitals to strengthen mother and child care, as well as the implementation of the Department of Health’s (DoH) Service Delivery Network (SDN) program for improving the maternal and infant mortality ratio.

The province employed its public-private partnership (PPP) program to support its four inter-local health zones, wherein cities and municipalities are grouped with one core referral hospital each for better coordination in terms of emergency response and service delivery.

The initiative is in line with the provincial government’s compliance with the nationwide Universal Health Care High Impact Five (UHC-HI-5) program, which is DOH’s strategy to swiftly meet targets for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4, 5. and 6.

MDG 4 is anchored on reducing child mortality, MDG 5 is for improving maternal health, and MDG 6 covers combating HIV/AIDS(Human Immuno Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immuno Defiency Syndrome), malaria, and other major diseases.

Through the program, the province reduced malnutrition rate by 4.76 percent from 4.86 percent in 2013 to 4.83 last year, sustaining its crown as a Consistent Green Banner Awardee and a Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition.

“I have high hopes with the UHC-HI-5, that it shall not only lead us to the attainment of the MDGs but also in sustaining our gains today,” del Rosario said.

As an important component of the governor’s human-centered P.E.O.P.L.E. development strategy, the PPP also significantly increased the income of the three Davao del Norte hospitals (Kapalong, Carmen and Samal Zones).

Aside from improving the delivery of health services, the governor said that the partnership of the province with private suppliers and companies increased the revenues of the three provincial hospitals amounting to P63 million.

“The increase of the income of our provincial hospitals largely contributed to the P153 million total local revenues of the Province in 2014,” del Rosario revealed.

Aside from raising the revenues of the hospitals, the governor said PPP resulted to faster processing of laboratory specimens, prompt management of patients, better maintenance and cleaner hospital environment, as well as, effective infection control. ##

Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario reveals the progress of Davao del Norte in its commitment to attain the Millennium Development Goals, during the launch of the Hospital High Impact Five (Hi-5) program at the Davao Regional Hospital, Tagum City. Reymund Faciol/DavNor PIO

“Pulot Boy” now a commercial tennis player

by Charlene Luna/DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte – Commitment, resilience and passion for the game shot a former “Pulot Boy” (ball boy) to the commercial world of lawn tennis.

Babolat, a famous French tennis, badminton, and squash equipment company, signed in 17-year old boy Gilbert “Kiwi” Paylado Jr. for sponsorship of the company, after his exemplary performance during the 1st AGR Tennis Tournament at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.

Kiwi only settled for 3rd place in the overall standing but his standout play in the court earned the admiration of First District Congressman Anthony del Rosario.

The representative endorsed him for sponsorship of Babolat, which strings and tennis racquets are used by popular players all over the world.

Babolat Manila Coordinator Archie Pangilinan readily approved the endorsement from the congressman and immediately sent a tennis racket, signifying the company’s acknowledgement of getting Paylado as their commercial player.

The company will provide the branded tennis equipment, apparel, bag and shoes that Kiwi needs in his commercial games.

The former Pulot boy’s love for the sport started ten year ago not as a hobby, but out of necessity.

Kiwi started off as a ball boy in a nearby tennis court to help his parents to sustain their needs.

“Naa ko’y 80 sa isa ka-buntagan. Dako na ug tabang kay makapalit nami’g bugas” (I earned 80 pesos in the morning, which is enough for us to buy rice) Gilbert said.

Kiwi was eight years old and a grade two pupil then when he started playing lawn tennis for Magugpo Pilot Central Elementary School (MPCES).

At first, he only had a round-shaped plywood as his racket. He does not even have comfortable pair of shoes so he also experienced playing barefooted.

Donations like shoes and rackets came in when members of the Tagum City Lawn Tennis Club Inc. recognized Kiwi’s potential to excel in the game.

He became a contender in the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DavRAA) for three years in a row, as he represented MPCES during his grade six, as well as, the Tagum City National High School (TCNHS) on his first two years in the secondary.

Things got worse when Kiwi had to stop his studies to help take care of his father, who got seriously ill and eventually died on November last year due to Tuberculosis meningitis.

But he won’t let his father’s death ruin everything, as he vowed to continue studying and playing tennis, at the same time, to achieve his dream of becoming one of the country’s top players someday.

“Dili ta mo-surrender sa mga problema. Dapat go lang nang go” Kiwi added as he was asked for the life lessons he learned from his experiences.

Kiwi is currently enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) while helping his mother and cousins in their septic tank cleaning and pumping business, as he breezes through playing with his teammates at the tennis Club mostly on weekends.

Engr. Edward Hibaya, one of Kiwi’s long time mentors, vouched for Paylado’s exceptional agility and strong motivation every time he plays in the court.

His son, Ryan, who also happened to be Kiwi’s match and rally mate, revealed Kiwi’s determination to win in every competition.

“Ni-abot najud ang panahon. Sa una si Kiwi gamay pa, bully-bullyhon lang namo sa court. Karon, dili na namo mahimo sa iyaha kay dako na kaayo’g asenso” (His time has come. We often bully Kiwi in court before. Now, we can no longer do that since he has improved a lot),” the younger Hibaya said.

Kiwi’s grateful mother Elizabeth is pinning her hopes on him.

“Unta padayon siya magtarong aron molambo ug makahuman ug eskwela (I hope he continues to improve more and study well to attain his dreams),” she said.

Kiwi, who is grateful for the opportunity given him, has vowed to do his best to represent Babolat, as long as he continues to playing tennis.##

1st District Cong. Anthony del Rosario confers the 3rd price to award to Gilbert “Kiwi” Paylado Jr. at the culmination of the 1st AGR KIDS tennis tournament at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.

1st District Cong. Anthony del Rosario together with the participants of the 1st AGR KIDS tennis tournament at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.

DavNor holds rescuelympics

by Charlene Luna/DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte – Some 190 rescuers participated the First One DavNorlympics 2015 recently at the Energy-Park, Apokon, Tagum City aimed at heightening the capacity of the responders in the province in times of disasters.

The two-day rescuelympics was conducted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to cap the celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.

Anchored on the theme “Pamilya at Pamayanang Handa, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bansa”, the event pitted responders from various LGUs against each other on competitions on the different rescue and life-saving techniques.

Romulo Tagalo, Executive Director of the Climate Change Adaptation-Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CCA-DRRM) said the activity intends to further build the capability of the rescuers since they are the first responders in the communities.

“Gisuportahan kini ni Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario uban sa atong mga mayors tungod kay ang DRRM usa sa mga priorities sa atong provincial government (The governor, together with the mayors supported this activity since DRRM is among the priorities of the province),” Tagalo said.

The responders competed in three disciplines, namely, firefighting, Tyrolean zipline (where they showed safety procedures in crossing the river in case of a flash flood) and lifesaving techniques.

“Nakipag-indigay sila unsaon pagsalbar sa kinabuhi sa atong mga katawhan sa Davao del Norte (They will show their skills in saving the lives of our people),” said PDRRMC Training officer Mr. Redentor Cardinal.

Tagalo said the province is not only focusing on disaster reduction aspect but is also giving equal importance to climate change adaptation in pursuing zero casualty during disasters and shielding the development gains of the province.

He revealed the on-going construction of the Davao del Norte DRRM-CCA Training Center designed to build the capacity of all responders and improve the preparedness and response at all levels before, during and after the onslaught of calamities.

“Tanan nga gikan sa barangay, sa private sector, nga gusto mo-bansay sa DRRM ug CCA tanan atong dad-on sa center (The center will accommodate everyone who wishes to be trained on DRRM-CCA),” Tagalo said.

The municipality of Kapalong bagged the over-all championship in the competition.##

Rescuers participate in the lifesaving contest during the recent DavNorlympics rescue competition, capping the National Disaster Consciousness Month celebration. Photo by Reymund Faciol/DavNor PIO

Judges examine an entry of the life boat-making contest using recyclable materials, during the recent DavNorlympics rescue competition, capping the National Disaster Consciousness Month celebration. Photo by Reymund Faciol/DavNor PIO

DavNor re-or for global competition Davao del Norte ready for ASEAN integration

by Lunesito Gorgonio/DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte – The province of Davao del Norte is ready for the economic integration of the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) late this year.

Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario assured the readiness of the province during Monday’s Convocation program hosted by the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRO).

The governor top billed the rich agricultural resources that give the province its comparative advantage in the global arena.

“This is an opportunity for us as we move toward ASEAN integration. We have an advantage on Cavendish banana, cacao, bangus and other products,” he said.

The Chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-XI stressed the importance of instilling good agricultural practices to the farmers, particularly to boost their position in the ASEAN community.

He underscored the important role of the PAGRO in adapting to the challenges of the AEC.

Aside from the agri sector, the governor also bared the ongoing re-structuring of the provincial government organization is timely in the preparation of the province.

He said the reorganization of some Capitol offices is meant to strengthen the competitiveness of the province to face the challenges of the AEC.

“Davao del Norte has agri products but need to preempt the flow of people. That’s the reason why we are putting emphasis on how to educate our people so that we can improve our human resource. So that we will become more competitive with our ASEAN neighbors,” del Rosario explained.

The governor also cited the efforts of his administration in enhancing the capability of provincial employees.

“We have the Davao del Norte Learning Institute (DNLI) to help our employees become college graduates, thereby becoming more competitive when the integration happens this year,” he said.

He bared the provincial government-owned academy has 180 provincial scholars and we will extend to outsiders like the Barangay Health Workers, DayCare Workers to become accredited and become license holder,” continued del Rosario.

While he did not discount the challenges ahead, the governor encouraged everyone to take the integration as a big opportunity rather than a hindrance.

“While there are big difficulties ahead of us, we will look at it more as a great opportunities. There is no difficulty that does not present any opportunity … so let us take advantage of the potentials in the near future,” concluded del Rosario.

In the same occasion, del Rosario recognized the invaluable contribution of Provincial Budget Officer Norma Lumain, particularly for her stint as OIC-Provincial Administrator for four years, six months and four days, to be exact.

She was succeeded by former Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Jennifer Namoc-Yasol.##

Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario assures the readiness of Davao del Norte for the ASEAN economic integration late this year. Photo by Reymund Faciol/DavNor PIO

Returnees receive assistance

Charlene Luna/DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte- Thirty rebel returnees received monetary assistance through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government.

The former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were given a total of 65,000 cash assistance to build their livelihood as they start a new life.

In his message, Governor Rodolfo del Rosario expressed his joy the former rebels decided to return to the fold of the law.

“Gusto kong ipaabot kaninyo nga ang atong provincial government andam nga mohatag ug hinabang para (The province is always ready to help so that) you can come back to your normal life, back into the folds of the law,” the governor said.

Two of the beneficiaries gave their grateful response, conveying their appreciation to the government for giving them the opportunity to lead a normal life after spending years in the revolutionary movement.

“Gihatagan jud nila ug dakong pagtagad ang mga former rebels nga nagbag-o sa kinabuhi. Kini nga kwarta dako kaayo’g tabang alang sa panginabuhian sa akong pamilya (The aid is really a big help to have a livelihood for my family)” said Alias Alvin.

Alvin is an electronic technician before joining the rebel group. He decided to surrender to pursue his calling as a pastor.

“Dako nga tabang kining gihatag sa gobyerno kay akoa ni e-negosyo ug sari-sari store (I will use this assistance to put up a store)” added Alias Jane, who joined the armed group for about a year.

CLIP is a program under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process which aims to give customized package and livelihood assistance to facilitate mainstreaming of former rebels as productive citizens.##

Alias Alvin receives his check as livelihood assistance handed over to him by Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, with the aid of DILG Provincial Director Alex Roldan and Outgoing 1003rd Brigade Commander Col. Harold Cabreros. Reymund Faciol/DavNor PIO

DavNor Governor Rodolfo del Rosario welcomes the rebel returnees during the turn-over of Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) Assistance. With him are Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio, Incoming 1003rd Brigade Commander Col. Ricardo Nepomuceno, Provincial Director PS/Supt. Samuel Gadingan, Outgoing 1003rd Brigade Commander Col. Harold Cabreros and Provincial DILG Director Alex Roldan. Reymund Faciol/DavNor PIO

DA-XI, DavNor ink pact to combat fusarium

by Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte – The Department of Agriculture-XI and the Province of Davao del Norte joined hands to arrest the destruction of local banana plantations by containing fusarium wilt or Panama disease this year.

Regional Director Remelyn Recoter and Governor Rodolfo del Rosario recently signed the memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the “Management of Banana Fusarium Wilt Project” aimed at saving the biggest dollar-earner in the province.

The agriculture department provided P34.280 million intended for the eradication of the disease in infected farms, conduct of trainings on good agricultural practices on banana, as well as, the production of Trichoderma harzianum, as an effective bio-control anti-fungal agent.

“Time is of the essence for the Davao region’s billion-dollar industry,” Recoter said, as she asked all the stakeholders to put their best feet forward in stopping the spread of the disease.

Fusarium wilt is a fungal pathogen that attacks the vascular system of the banana, preventing it from picking up water.

The resurgence of the fungal disease, which has been dormant for the past 50 years, threatened to wipe out plantations and endangered the biggest export of the Davao region.

As thousands of hectares are already infected, del Rosario warned the fungus posed a serious threat to the livelihood of thousands of Dabaonons and the food security of the province.

Known as the “Banana Capital”, Davao del Norte devotes about 50,000 hectares to the cultivation of Cavendish banana for export.

The dreaded collapse of the industry, once contamination is not mitigated, would impact at least 50,000 people directly involved in the industry, while indirectly affecting about a quarter of a million individuals in related industries in the province.

“It is important for us to save our banana plantations from fusarium wilt, as this will bluntly hit the economy of the province,” del Rosario said.

The governor has since asked the players of the sector to be resolute in protecting their farms by imposing strict quarantine measures.

He also expressed much optimism with the newly-developed Giant Cavendish variety GCTCV 219 that is resistant to the destructive disease.##

DA-XI Regional Dir. Remelyn Recoter and Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario sign the memorandum of agreement for the management of Cavendish banana fusarium wilt to save the biggest dollar-earner of the province. PAGRO

In this file photo, Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario checks the quality of Cavendish banana bunches ready for packing for export. nobags

Tribal kids chip off rejected Cavendish bananas to be processed into banana flour. nobags

PRC-DavNor Chapter hosts 1st Reg’l Water Safety Competition

by: Charlene E. Luna/DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte – In celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month, the Philippine Red Cross-Davao del Norte Chapter hosted the 1st Regional Water Safety and Rescue Competition last July 25-26 at the province’s Sports Complex.

Aiming to instill readiness to water-related emergencies, the PRC conveyed their serious preparation in the outbreak of disasters through the region-wide competition.

“One of its services [red cross] is all about safety service which promotes safety and rescue education especially on first aid, basic life support as well as water rescue and safety education”, said Mr. Joseph Randy Loy, RN, President of the Chapter Administrator’s League for Mindanao and the current Administrator of ComVal Chapter.

“This event would somehow be an eye opener to all LGUs and to all LDRRMC but they have to keep on increasing their capacity especially on water rescue given that our area is prone to flooding” Nurse Loy added emphasizing the need for water safety and rescue education.

PRC-Davao del Norte Chapter Administrator Luzviminda Neri also conveyed their sustainability plans in this project.

“Na challenge pa jud ang Red Cross ilabina ang mga trainers na mag update kay once you are an authorized trainer, kinahanglan naa kay mga update. It’s a challenge for the PRC to continue the said [training] and to always be ready”, Neri stressed.

In the coming months, the province’s chapter administrator relays their plan to initiate another water safety and rescue activity to continuously strengthen partnerships with the Local Government Units.

“Actually we will be having a swift water rescue to start with kay kaning mga rescuer, dili lang usa ka level ilang kinahanglan matun-an. Dili lang sa pool ang atong life saving, sa dagat lain napud na ug sa mga sapa.

Next month among ipahitabo ang another training for that [swift water rescue]”(We will conduct a swift water rescue because our responders need to have higher level of trainings. Emergencies do not just happen in pools, they also emerged in seas or rivers so we will have another training for that) , Neri added.

The participants competed for lifesaving strokes relay, strokes medley, carries relay, throwing assists, submerged victim recovery, spine injury victim recovery and the disrobing and use of improvised floatation device.

“As a team competitor, among gipaningkamutan nga makuha namo sa among teamwork ang among goal” (Our team strived to attain our goal through teamwork) said Novismindo Jr. Madera from Kapalong Rescue and Emergency Services (KARES).

“Nakita nako ang camaraderie sa every responder sa different LGUs, cities. Gina-develop ang attitude sa mga responders ug gina-upgrade ang skills” (I have observed the camaraderie portrayed by the responders from various LGUs. This competition developed our attitudes as responders and at the same time upgrading our skills) added Mark Anthony mahinay, also from KARES.

The two-day event concluded on Sunday where the Kapalong Rescue and Emergency Services bagged the overall championship title.##

Team Kapalong Rescue and Emergency Services (KARES) with the personnel from Philippine Red Cross took a pose displaying their overall championship title during the awarding program of the 1st Regional Water Safety and Rescue Competition held at the DavNor Sports and Tourism Complex pool area last Sunday. Photo by Charlene Luna/DavNor PIO

Renante Mejorada from Digos Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as he prepared his victim hold for another rescue method after his cross-chest carry technique in the Lifesaving Carries Relay category. Photo by Charlene Luna/DavNor PIO