CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Philippines – The Catbalogan City disaster response team emerged as the champion in the Regional Rescue Jamboree held in Maasin City, Southern Leyte from July 20 to 25.
The team, led by city disaster officer Eliot Lopez Jr., bagged four major awards during the five-day rescue competition held at Camp Danao Forest Park.
Lopez said his team bested 32 other participants from ll local government units and non-government rescue groups in Eastern Visayas.
Catbalogan Mayor Stephany Uy Tan commended the team for topping the contests on dealing with mass casualty incidents, collapsed structure and disaster response team uniform, and for bagging the Regional Rescue Jamboree 2015 disaster response team award.
The winning team received trophies and plaques of appreciation. No cash prize was given to them.
Danilo Atienza of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office said the jamboree was meant to enhance disaster preparedness and response skills of the rescue teams.
The event was part of the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.