The Tarlac Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council conducted its 2nd Kalasag Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Response and Rescue Challenge from July 20, 21 and 22 and July 27, 28 and 29 at the Maria Cristina Park and at the Jose V. Yap Sports and Recreational Complex.

The challenge, participated by private and government response teams was aimed to highlight preparedness and resilience from any hazard and calamity.

“The challenge is done to promote public awareness on the different DRRM capabilities of the province which were developed through the years. We hope that with this, our fellow Tarlaqueños will be more aware of the efforts of the province towards disaster resilience,” Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Marvin Guiang said.

A static display of the Tarlac’s preparedness and rescue capacity undertaken at the Maria Cristina Park with the MDRRMO of Concepcion proclaimed champions. Tarlac City DRRMO placed second and the MDRRMO of Gerona placing third. Concepcion, Tarlac City and Gerona received trophies and P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000 cash prizes respectively.

The DRRMO of Victoria was crowned champion of the DRRM Quiz Bee, Capas placed second and Concepcion third while the DRRM of Concepcion likewise won the DRRM Cheering Competition.

In the Response and Rescue Challenge, Tarlac City was declared winner in the LGU Category-Mass Casualty Incident, Capas won the LGU Basic Life Support with CPR Category and Concepcion topped the Water Search and Rescue.

Under the Volunteer Group Category, Tarlac Agricultural University won the Mass Casualty Category, Basic Support with CPR and Water Search and Rescue. 522nd Engineering Construction Battalion of the Philippine Army topped the Uniformed Personnel Mass Casualty Incident and Life Support with CPR Categories with TOG 3 winning the Water Search and Rescue.

Over-all winner in the LGU Category is Capas, 522nd Engineering Construction Battalion of the Philippine Army in the Uniformed Personnel Category and Tarlac Agriculture University in the Volunteer Group Category.

Attending the six-day challenge were Office of Civil Defense Region III Regional Director Cesar Idio and Board Member Harmes Sembrano. (Tarlac PIO)