ILOILO — As tourist arrivals continue to rise in the island-rich municipality of Carles, local authorities have moved to strengthen visitor safety by equipping frontline tourism workers with critical emergency response skills through a specialized life-saving training program.
Tour guides, boatmen, and key tourism stakeholders underwent a three-day training on basic life support (BLS) and water safety certification from April 7 to 9 at a private resort in Carles, in a bid to ensure preparedness in handling emergencies in one of Iloilo’s busiest coastal destinations.
The training, facilitated by a distinguished speaker from the Philippine Life Saving Society in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office 6, focused on enhancing the capacity of frontline personnel who are often the first responders during incidents involving tourists.
Participants were trained in essential emergency response procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and other life-saving techniques applicable in both land and water-based situations.
Hands-on exercises and simulation drills formed a key component of the program, allowing participants to build confidence and competence in responding to real-life critical scenarios.
The DOT Region 6 emphasized that the initiative underscores the crucial role of tourism workers in ensuring not just enjoyable but also safe and secure experiences for visitors.
“Through this initiative, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering a culture of safety, responsibility, and resilience within the tourism sector and the wider community,” the DOT-6 said in a statement.
Upon completion of the training, participants were awarded certificates recognizing their readiness and capability to respond to emergencies — an important step as Carles continues to attract a growing number of tourists drawn to its pristine beaches and island destinations./PN
