LINGAYEN–Team Pangasinan proved to be the best in the first National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition (NRDRC) held in Legaspi City from July 26 to 31.

Pangasinan was the event champion for the Water Rescue Scenario and first runner-up in the Collapsed Structure Scenario.

However, the team was not declared overall champion due to a last-minute decision by the judges to void the third event, the Rough Terrain Scenario.

“Determination ang nagpanalo sa  amin, yung attitude namin na pag sinimulan ay gusto naming tapusin at ito rin yung nagbibigay ng lakas sa atin,” said Fire Chief Inspector  Arthur Sawate of the Bureau of Fire Protection,  a member of Team Pangasinan.

Team Pangasinan was pitted against seven teams from Saranggani Province, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; Naga City; Tabaco City; Legazpi City; Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic, Inc.; and the 9th Infantry Division of  Philippine Army.

3RD EVENT

The judges decided to cancel the Rough Terrain scenario when none of the teams finished the event, including Team Pangasinan.

“Napasama ang loob namin, dahil yung third event biglang zero lahat, samantalang kami ang lamang, hindi lang namin natapos kasi  naubusan kami ng oras at saka hindi kami sumuko doon hindi tulad ng  ibang mga teams. Sana kinonsider na lang nila kung sino yung may pinakamaraming stage na natapos,” Sawate lamented.

The P300,000 prize money that should have been awarded to the overall champion was instead split for each scenario: P75,000 for the event  champion, P50,000 for the first runner-up and 25,000 for the second  runner-up.

Team Pangasinan finished the most number of stages.

Dr. Eloy Bueno, team captain of Pangasinan, said “We learned a lot from the scenarios and the other teams, and we would like to thank them for that.  We will strive to strengthen our weaknesses, and most importantly, we are all one when disaster strikes.”

EQUIPMENT

Before the competition started, the other teams initially faced disqualification for not having the proper gear and Team Pangasinan could have been declared champion by default.

But the Pangasinan team asked the organizers to proceed with the contest anyway.    “Dalawang  linggo yung ginawa naming preparasyon para sa competition na ito, ang Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) ang nag-conduct sa amin ng training, sayang naman kung ganun lang na ihihinto natin ang competition,” Sawate said.

The team thanked Governor Amado Espino, Jr., for his support and for providing them the equipment needed.

The competition promotes the importance of an organized rescue group, knowledge of application techniques, equipment use and a command system for teams engaged in search and rescue operation.

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