ANTIQUE – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of this province has officially launched a dedicated disaster rescue training area aimed at enhancing community resilience and emergency preparedness.
The training site occupies the former grounds of the late Gov. Evelio B. Javier’s Upland Development Program, a project that initially saw the planting of various trees and other sustainable development efforts.
“This was once part of the project of the late Gov. Evelio B. Javier, known as the Upland Development Program,” said PDRRM Officer Broderick Train, adding that many of the trees in the area were planted during that initiative.
Despite the construction of new buildings in the vicinity, Train explained that the office is maximizing the use of the available space behind the PDRRMO office in line with a provincial ordinance supported by the Antique Training and Assessment Institute.
The site is now equipped with various rescue facilities, including high-angle rescue setups, rappelling and wall climbing structures, and simulators for collapsed buildings. Earthquake rescue simulations have also been conducted, serving as hands-on training for emergency response and awareness.
Train noted that more technical rescue modules and learning materials are in development, with plans to expand the site’s use for broader disaster response education.
“The area is very conducive to learning. We can even utilize some natural resources in the surroundings as tools and training materials,” he added.
The training ground is open for use by institutions upon request. It has already served as a learning venue for various schools, including the University of Antique (UA) and Saint Anthony’s College (SAC).
“It is an avenue for cascading community-based programs, especially those targeting families. One of the fastest and most effective ways to do this is through schools,” Train emphasized./PN
