University of Antique (UA) as the only State University in the Province of Antique, continues to strengthen emergency response as part of its social responsibility through the conduct of Basic Life Support (BLS) Training, this time for the teachers of Sibalom North District and Barangay Tanods of Alangan, Bongsod, and Cubay Sibalom, Antique on May 23-24, 2024.

The 2-day training started with a lecture by the BLS Trainers of the University and followed by the skills demonstration facilitated by the University’s Health Unit, Extension Services Unit, and College of Criminal Justice Education. Mr. Mirven Remu Lavilla, RN, MPM, ACP Director if the Department of Health (DOH) was also present during the training.

Teachers and Barangay Tanods are considered frontliners in many localities, playing a vital role in the provision of immediate medical assistance during emergencies, accidents, or natural disasters.

The barangays Alangan, Bongsod, and Cubay are among the most vulnerable barangays in the Municipality of Sibalom because of its close proximity to the Solong or Sibalom River which is identified as the longest river in the province. With students, faculty, and staff who are already trained, the academe through the Health Unit also targeted to train teachers acknowledging the fact that students are vulnerable to risks. By equipping these community members with BLS knowledge, the instances of quick and timely assistance during emergencies increase.

UA is also expanding the academe’s capacity to educate more people regarding BLS through its Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative. It is the only state university with ToT Training in the region.