BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC) received invaluable training in basic life support (BLS) and first aid on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 courtesy of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – La Trinidad.

The training was held at the Dumol Hall of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) headquarters, South Drive, and aimed to equip media professionals with essential life-saving skills, recognizing their vital role as first responders during calamities and accidents.

The initiative was spearheaded by the PNP Press Corps, led by broadcast journalist Jordan R. Tablac, who stressed the necessity for media personnel to possess basic life support knowledge despite not being trained as official first responders.

He emphasized that with the proper training, media practitioners could play a pivotal role in saving lives.

“By being equipped with the proper knowledge in basic life support, we can provide immediate assistance until professional help arrives and save lives,” Tablac said.

The BFP trainers encouraged active participation in the comprehensive training, aiming to enhance the media practitioners’ understanding of basic life support and foster confidence in applying their skills.

BFP FO3 Michael Davis R. Rapayrapay highlighted the significance of regularly practicing and improving BLS skills, emphasizing that they are invaluable assets that require ongoing refinement.

“We strongly suggest our media partners to enhance their skills by continuously putting it into practice, as these skills are diminishing assets, pag hindi natin nagagamit, nawawala, nakakalimutan. By honing their skills and gaining confidence through training and capacity building, our media partners can effectively apply their knowledge in real-life situations encountered in the field,” FO3 Rapayrapay said.

Moreover, BFP FO2 Brail V. Taluyo emphasized the importance of assessing oneself before offering assistance in emergency situations.

This essential measure ensures that good intentions do not inadvertently harm or hinder aid to the victims.

“Mahalaga na handa po ang ating sarili para makasiguro tayo na hindi lalong malagay sa alanganin ang buhay na ating sinusubukang sagipin,” FO2 Taluyo said.

(Preparedness is very significant in unforeseen situations and cannot be overstated, as it ensures the lives we seek to save remain shielded from additional danger or risks.)

The training served not only to equip BCBC members with essential skills but also to strengthen the bond between the media and emergency response agencies, promoting efficient collaboration during crises.

This initiative represents a noteworthy stride in bolstering the BCBC’s ability to serve the community and contribute to the public’s well-being, particularly in times of emergencies.