Recently, the CDRRMO underwent diving training to enhance their rescue response capabilities and explore the dive sites within the city. The training was conducted by professional divers from the Blue Revival Diving College based in Bohol, specifically covering open water, advanced open water, and rescue diver courses. Participants included CDRRMO personnel, as well as members from the Bureau of Fire Protection, City Tourism Office, and City Agriculture Office. Notable attendees also included Vice Mayor Emman Tiu Sonco, Councilor Katrina Anacta-Sadac, Divinubo barangay kagawad Neil Borata, and Che Calacal from the local travel agency, Budgetmate Travel and Tours.
The training event resulted in the certification of four rescue divers, six advanced open water divers, and ten open water divers within the CDRRMO. Other participants also received their respective certifications.
Jaime Voces, the head of CDRRMO who received his advanced open water diver certification, emphasized the importance of the training for emergency response and disaster risk reduction. He stated, “Para magkaroon ng response in case of emergency, in case of incidents na mag-level up naman ‘yung DRR response team. Nagkaroon tayo ng training na ‘to para yung DRR office, magkaroon ng knowledge,”. He added, “Importante talaga ‘to in times of incidents, dapat mayroon tayong magagawa sa nangangailangan.”
Voces also mentioned Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda’s desire to explore the underwater beauty of Borongan. He said, “Saka gusto talaga ni Mayor makita yung underwater dito sa Borongan kasi sabi-sabi lang ‘yung napag-aalaman natin, ‘Maganda doon, maganda doon.’ Gusto ni Mayor, makita talaga.”
The training was conducted at a dive site on Divinubo island, which is gaining popularity in the diving community due to its unique maze-like cave system. The CDRRMO is now well-equipped to respond to the needs of tourists exploring the city’s underwater attractions. Oxygen tanks and buoyancy control devices are readily available in case of accidents. Voces stated, “Tayo po ay napakahanda na sa ganyan kasi aanhin naman ‘yung mga training natin kung hindi natin paghahandaan ang mga scenario na hindi natin nae-expect. Saka palagi tayong nagkakaroon ng contingency plan,”.
“In terms of safety and response, talagang 100 percent safe tayo, handang-handa na. Ang equipment, kumpleto po. Trained talaga ‘yung mga tauhan natin,” he added.
Since assuming his post in 2012, there have been no reported diving-related accidents, drownings, or fish attacks in the area, according to Voces.
The CDRRMO plans to provide diving training to barangay officials as first responders in their respective jurisdictions.
Photos courtesy of CDRRMO
#BoronganonDisiplinadoAko
