SIXTY-ONE individuals completed a week-long Water Search and rescue (Wadaar) training conducted by the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG-Barmm).
The training, which was held from February 24 to March 2, was conducted through MILG’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi).
Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, MILG minister, said Saturday, March 5, that Wasar is one of the specialized training designed by READi aimed at improving the preparedness of the Barmm in responding to natural calamities and disasters.
Sinarimbo said the 61 completers have undergone rigorous training on basic firefighting techniques, water safety and rescue, basic scuba, use of machine and power tools, and small boat operation.
The training was conducted in partnership with the Army’s 6th Infantry Division Training School, according to Sinarimbo.
He said the training participants composed of men and women were from the municipalities of Marantao, Buadipuso-Buntong, and Ditsaan-Rahmain in Lanao del Sur, while the rest were from Sultan sa Barongis, Talitay, Raja Buayan, Barira, Paglas, Datu Saudi, and Pandag in Maguindanao.
The Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office of Lanao del Sur also participated in the training.
“As we know, this training is highly relevant in our context and proven to be effective as they have been used by other municipalities in responding to disaster,” Sinarimbo said in a statement.
Since the launching of the program from November 11 to 17, 2019, a total of 532 individuals have already completed the Wasar training in Barmm. (SunStar Zamboanga)