OVER 200 junior and senior high school students in Cebu now possess vital lifesaving skills after participating in a hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training organized by the Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH) 7.
The event, part of the Coordinative Meeting on CPR Day, took place on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Abellana National School's AVR Center Building.
DOH 7 organized the training in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) 7 and various stakeholders.
The initiative aims to equip young people with essential knowledge and skills in basic life support, aligning with the government’s push for resilient, health-conscious communities.
Regional Health Emergency Management Services Medical Officer Shelbay Blanco stressed the importance of CPR education, citing Republic Act 10871 or the “Samboy Lim Law,” which mandates CPR instruction for students, and Presidential Proclamation 511, designating July 17 as National CPR Day.
“Teaching hands-only CPR is very important. We want at least one member per household to be trained in basic life support,” said Blanco.
He added this supports DOH’s 8-point action agenda, particularly the call for preparedness in times of crisis, and the PuroKalusugan initiative, which targets health promotion at the grassroots level.
Blanco explained the "Samboy Lim Law" originated from the case of athlete Samboy Lim, who suffered cardiac arrest without a trained responder.
“Cardiac arrest can result in permanent brain damage within minutes. If oxygen doesn't reach the brain in time, a person may survive but live with debilitating conditions,” Blanco said.
“That is why quality, hands-only CPR must be administered as early as possible—it saves lives and improves recovery,” he added.
Since 2014, DOH 7 has conducted CPR training across all four provinces of Central Visayas—Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
Over 26,000 students, adults, and teachers have received training.
The region also produced 461 certified basic life support trainers and facilitators who continue leading training efforts.
Blanco emphasized that CPR training involves a multi-sectoral approach, involving DepEd, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police to widen their reach.
The event concluded with practical demonstrations, reinforcing the call to continue promoting health literacy and lifesaving skills among the youth and broader communities. (Ericka May Charcos and Ariane Masibay, HNU interns)