At least 150 responders from the different city and municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices (DRRMOs) in Surigao del Sur are participating in the ongoing 2023 Rescuers Summit and Rescue Group Exercises from July 26-28 in Tagdag City.

The activity, which opened on Wednesday, is spearheaded by the Surigao del Sur DRRMO with the support of the Philippine Red Cross in the province and Agusan del Norte.

In a statement Thursday, Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Pimentel welcomed the gathering of the province’s responders, saying that the activity is in time with the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month.

“The three-day activity aims to enhance the skills, knowledge, and attitudes of the responders in the province, for them to effectively act in response in times of calamities, disasters, and other untoward incidents,” Pimentel said.

He added that the summit will also foster camaraderie and help establish strong coordination among the city and municipal DRRMCs in the province.

The Bureau of Fire Protection-Surigao del Sur is facilitating the different activities and exercises the support of the province’s rescue teams.

In a separate interview Thursday, Rexjoy Cubillan, the MDRRMO of San Miguel municipality, said 16 responders from the town are actively joining the exercises.

“This is important for us as we further hone our skills and knowledge in search, rescue, and other related operations during disasters and calamities,” Cubillan said.

He noted that new strategies and techniques were introduced by the resource groups that will further sharpen the skills of the responders. (PNA)