Tayabas City empowers indigenous communities with life-saving skills

By Rowena Cruz Tayabas City Mayor Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso with the 20 members of Indigenous People from various communities in Tayabas...

By Rowena Cruz

Tayabas City Mayor Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso with the 20 members of Indigenous People from various communities in Tayabas City who have successfully completed a Basic Life Support (BLS) training program aimed at promoting gender equality and development. (Photo from CICRO Tayabas City)

TAYABAS CITY, Quezon - Twenty Indigenous People (IP) members from various communities in Tayabas City have successfully completed the recent Basic Life Support (BLS) training program aimed at promoting gender equality and development. The initiative, organized by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and Gender and Development Office (GDO), equipped participants with essential life-saving skills to respond to emergencies within their communities.

The three-day training program, held from July 3-5, 2024, was conducted by experienced CDRRMO personnel, including Randy S. Leynes, Sherly S. Pabularcon, Jessy James R. Valderamos, Winald O. Quinsanos, Jaycee A. Buncayo, and June A. Dionisio. The comprehensive curriculum covered a wide range of topics, including CPR, first aid, and basic emergency response procedures.



Tayabas City Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso graced the graduation ceremony, commending the participants for their dedication to learning and their commitment to serving their communities. CDRRMO/GFPS-TWG Chairperson Rosario P. Bandelaria also attended the event, expressing her support for the initiative and emphasizing the importance of empowering Indigenous communities with essential skills.

"This training is not only about saving lives but also about empowering our Indigenous brothers and sisters to become leaders in their communities," Mayor Reynoso-Pontioso said. "By equipping them with these skills, we are ensuring that they can respond effectively to emergencies and contribute to the overall well-being of their people."

The BLS training program is part of a broader effort by the Tayabas City government to promote gender equality and development within Indigenous communities. By providing equal opportunities for both women and men to acquire life-saving skills, the initiative aims to break down traditional gender roles and empower individuals to take on leadership roles within their communities.

The program has been hailed as a success, with participants expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to learn and their eagerness to share their knowledge with others in their communities. The initiative has also received widespread support from local leaders and community members, who recognize the importance of empowering Indigenous communities with essential skills.

The Tayabas City government plans to continue its efforts to promote gender equality and development within Indigenous communities through various initiatives, including livelihood training programs, educational scholarships, and cultural preservation projects. By investing in the well-being of Indigenous communities, the city hopes to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all its residents.