The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office – Central 911 (CDRRMO-911) on Friday expanded its workforce with the graduation of its new recruits from their first-responders training.

The office conducted a graduation rites for 46 new CDRRMO-911 personnel on August 25. Of the 46, a total of 14 finished the Emergency Calls Answering Point and Dispatch Call-taker Training Course, 15 went through the Emergency Medical Technician- Basic Training Course, five in the Basic and Advance Firefighting Training Course, and 12 completed the Rescue Technician Training Course.

Aside from capability trainings as emergency responders, the graduates also went through seminars to aid in their mental well-being, psycho-spiritual development, and personal growth.

Held at the same ceremony was the oath-taking of full-fledged Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. A total of 29 EMS personnel who completed the required two-year Ambulance Ride Service, on top of the six-month training, were declared full-fledged CDRRMO Emergency Medical Technicians.

CDRRMO Head Alfredo Baloran, in his speech, said the graduates have proven themselves ready to be part of the office’s operations after months of rigorous training.

Baloran, however, said the graduates must continuously improve their capabilities and expand their knowledge.

He admitted that a first responder’s duties can be exhausting both physically and mentally.

“I would also like to remind our graduates here today that you have to enjoy your job, kasi kung hindi, you will not survive 
 We have to serve the community and the number one is we have to save lives,” he said.

Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message read by City Information Officer-in-Charge Harvey Lanticse, congratulated the graduates and expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices they make by risking their lives to save others’.

“Indeed, you are all heroes who answer the calls of distress 
 we applaud you for your dedication and the hard work you have put in to achieve this milestone,” the mayor said. CIO