Albay is all set to host the first ever National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition on July 26-31, 2010 sponsored by the provincial government of Albay and the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). The 1st NRDRC is a nationwide skills competition that will test the readiness of the country’s rescuers and disaster officials in the worst disaster scenarios including water rescue, collapsed building scenario, earthquake and fire scenario.

Albay Governor and provincial disaster coordinating council chairman Joey S. Salceda initiated the NRDRC to promote Albay as a venue for rescue and disaster response training exercises and to sharpen the skills of disaster coordinating councils all over the country. “This contest aims to promote the importance of an organized and solid rescue group, its knowledge and application of techniques, equipment usages and command system for teams engage in search and rescue operations,” Salceda said.

The province of Albay is part of the Bicol Region, a geographically hazard prone area regularly threatened by calamities like typhoons and volcanic eruptions. Because of this, Albay, through the leadership of Gov. Salceda spearheaded a Disaster Risk Reduction Program combining institutional innovation, indigenous knowledge and information technology through APSEMO (Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office), AHEM (Albay Health Emergency Management), preemptive evacuation, permanent evacuation centers, safe schools, safe hospitals and facilities modernization.

In 2009, Albay and Legazpi City received the Gawad Kalasag award in recognition of their excellence in disaster-risk management and humanitarian assistance. The province was also adjudged as having the Best Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council. Since then, the province has gained recognition both in the local and international arenas for its disaster risk reduction programs and climate change advocacy.

The 1st National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition is open to rescue teams and firefighters from the government and private sector. An estimated 45 teams composed of 15 persons per team are expected to participate in the nationwide skills competition. The participants will compete in several events such as significant events rough terrain search and rescue effort, air and water rescue missions. The winning team will receive P300,000 cash prize and a trophy; 2nd placer will receive P200,000 and a trophy; 3rd placer will receive 100,000 and a trophy.

Registration fee is P20,000.00 per team, inclusive of breakfast only for 3 days. There is also an optional Whale Shark Interaction tour in Donsol, Sorsogon (P1,850/pax). Visit the official website of the 1st National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition at the Official NRDRC Website. Download the registration form here.

Registration/Waiver Forms must be received by July 15, 2010 by Fax at (052) 481-1297 or mail through albay.agrirehab@gmail.com, for more information about National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition please visit us at Albay Capitol Bldg., Ground Flr., Annex II, Old Albay, Legazpi City or call us at (052) 481-1297 look for Kat or Em.

References:

Albay spearheads 1st NRDRC to test competency in time of disaster, by Rhaydz B. Barcia, The Manila Times, July 13, 2010
Albay to host national disaster rescue competition, by Florencio P. Narito, Bicol Mail, April 1, 2010