ANTIQUE – Rescue teams from across Western Visayas showcased their speed, endurance, and emergency response skills as the 3rd Regional Rescuelympics 2026 officially opened with a grueling obstacle course race on Sunday, July 26, in Antique.
Hosted by the Provincial Government of Antique, the regional competition gathered emergency responders from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo, along with personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Federation Fire Brigade, and various Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs).
The opening event featured the Paghangkat it Busalian (Obstacle Course Race), a nine-stage challenge designed to assess the participants’ physical endurance, technical rescue skills, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.
The course covered several key locations in San Jose de Buenavista, including the Binirayan Sports Complex, Binirayan Swimming Pool, San Jose Port, Philippine Ports Authority Pier, CityMall Antique, Gaisano Grand Mall of Antique, and the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (OPDRRMO).
Participants completed a series of rescue-themed challenges, including rope climbing, rope pulling, net crawling, swimming and victim-towing drills, load-and-go operations, orienteering, and other obstacle-based exercises that simulated real-life disaster response scenarios.
During the opening program, Gov. Paolo Everardo S. Javier emphasized that the Rescuelympics is more than just a competition, reminding participants that the skills they sharpen during the event will ultimately save lives.
“Today we compete, but tomorrow we respond,” Javier said.
He also commended emergency responders for their dedication and sacrifices in protecting communities during disasters and emergencies, describing the Rescuelympics as an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie, exchange best practices, and improve disaster preparedness among local government units.
The Regional Rescuelympics will continue until July 28, with participating teams competing in various disaster response events aimed at enhancing operational readiness, inter-agency coordination, and emergency response capabilities across Western Visayas./PN
