𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐀𝐔 𝐢𝐧 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞

𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐀𝐔 𝐢𝐧 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) recognized the Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) for its outstanding participation during the 5th KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Response and Rescue Challenge and awarded a certificate of appreciation during the culmination activity held at the Bulwagan ng Kalayaan Multi-Purpose Building, Victoria, Tarlac, on 12 December.

The 5th KALASAG Challenge is a set of various rigorous simulation exercises designed to test and enhance the emergency response capabilities of participants in WASAR (Water Search and Rescue) Operations, MOSAR (Mountain Search and Rescue) Operations, Mass Casualty Incident, and Fire Incident Command System.

The event, which was held at the Jose V. Yap (JVY) Sports and Recreational Complex on 11 December, also included other rescue units and Local Government Units (LGU) in Tarlac to strengthen the Incident Command System competencies within the province.

TAU Responders, under the Volunteer Group Category, performed the Mass Casualty simulation where they were assigned a scenario involving a bus colliding with a van, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. During the simulation, the team managed the transport of patients to the hospital, demonstrating their skills in emergency response and triage.

Among the participants from TAU who completed the hands-on training were the following:

𝗔𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘄

Mr. Mark Jason E. Febrera- Team Leader

Mr. Melchoa B. Duco - Emergency Vehicle Operator (EVO)

Mr. Dondon M. Dela Cruz

Ms. Fibe M. Bala

Ms. May Q. Parayno

𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 (𝗜𝗠𝗧)

Mr. Ronimo G. Ubaldo

Mr. Rafael Gener G. Macaspac

Ms. Dancel M. Cabintoy

The challenge strengthened their technical skills, proper coordination, and readiness to respond effectively to emergency situations, reinforcing the University’s role in supporting local and national disaster risk reduction efforts.

“Since its inception five years ago, TAU has consistently demonstrated its commitment to disaster preparedness through ongoing training and active participation in the KALASAG Rescue Challenge. This year, the focus remains on preparing for the potential impact of ‘The Big One,’ a scenario that is both daunting and physically demanding. Yet, we continue to train and take part in these exercises because preparedness can save lives. Our readiness extends beyond ourselves—it is for our families and the wider community,” said Mr. Febrera, Team Leader.

Meanwhile, during the closing ceremony, Mr. Marvin F. Guiang, Provincial DRRM Officer, underscored the importance of simulation training in strengthening teamwork among participants, which remains critical in ensuring effective and timely emergency response.

“Ang KALASAG Rescue Challenge, pang lima na po ito, ay higit pa sa pagsubok ng lakas at bilis—ito ay isang plataporma kung saan ang katapangan meets discipline. And each participating rescue and response unit demonstrates the highest standard of readiness in the face of disaster,” Mr. Guiang stated.

#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #KALASAG #WASAR #MOSAR #FIreRescueExercise #SDG4 #SDG13 #SDG17

Article | Information Unit

Photos | TAU Medical and Dental Unit (MDU) and PDRRMO