TACLOBAN CITY — Disaster response teams from Palapag and Pambujan emerged as champions in the Open and Local categories, respectively, during the 4th Ibabao Rescue Jamboree held in Pambujan, Northern Samar, showcasing enhanced skills in emergency response and disaster preparedness.
The winners were announced during the closing and awarding ceremony on June 11, capping five days of intensive rescue training, simulations, and skills competitions held as part of the province’s founding anniversary celebration.
In the Open Category, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Palapag clinched the championship, followed by the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) as first runner-up and the 543rd Infantry Battalion as second runner-up.
For the Local Category, MDRRMO Pambujan was declared champion, with MDRRMO Gamay placing first runner-up and MDRRMO San Roque as second runner-up.
Special awards were also handed out during the ceremony. MDRRMO Santa Margarita bagged the First to Arrive and Best in Uniform awards in the Open Category, while MDRRMO San Jose earned First to Arrive and Best in Static Display in the Local Category. MDRRMO Pambujan was also named Best in Uniform, and MDRRMO Palapag received Best in Static Display.
Organized by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Northern Samar, the jamboree brought together disaster responders, rescue teams, uniformed personnel, and emergency practitioners from across the province and nearby areas.
Participants underwent hands-on training and competitive rescue exercises guided by experts from the Metro Manila Development Authority–Elite Response Unit (MMDA-ERU), Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO), the 803rd Infantry Brigade, 803rd Training School, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Training modules included Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), High Angle Rescue, Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) management, Mountain Search and Rescue (MOSAR), and other emergency response protocols aimed at strengthening coordination and interoperability during large-scale disasters.
During the awarding ceremony, officials from the PDRRMO, QCDRRMO, MMDA-ERU, and the Philippine Coast Guard underscored the importance of the exercise in enhancing disaster response capability and inter-agency collaboration.
The Northern Samar Police Provincial Office, which placed first runner-up in the Open Category, said its personnel from the 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies demonstrated strong teamwork, discipline, and technical competence throughout the competition.
Police Provincial Director PCOL George B. Buyacao Jr. commended the participants, saying the recognition reflects the preparedness and professionalism of NSPPO responders in assisting communities during emergencies and disasters.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
