“First of all, save lives.” This guiding principle stood at the heart of San Beda College Alabang’s continuing efforts to build a safer and more prepared campus community, as employees from various offices participated in a comprehensive Seminar-Workshop on First-Aid, Mass Casualty Incident Response, and Basic Life Support (BLS).
The training sessions were led by Atty. John Jacome, Manager of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Office, in collaboration with representatives from the Muntinlupa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), who served as resource speakers and technical facilitators. Selected personnel, including members of the security staff and key administrative offices, took part in the hands-on learning experience designed to strengthen their capacity to respond effectively during emergencies.
The program formally opened with remarks from Fr. Leander Mary Angngad, OSB, who emphasized the importance of preparedness as a shared responsibility. He highlighted that emergencies often arise unexpectedly, and the ability of individuals to respond with calmness, competence, and coordination can make a critical difference in preserving life and ensuring safety.
Participants received essential training in Basic Life Support, including life-saving techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), proper assessment of victims, and immediate response protocols during medical emergencies. They were also oriented on first-aid procedures and mass casualty incident management, equipping them with practical skills to provide initial care, assess complex emergency situations, and coordinate effectively with emergency responders.
The involvement of the Muntinlupa DRRMO provided participants with valuable insights drawn from real-life emergency response scenarios. Through demonstrations and guided exercises, personnel learned the importance of rapid situational assessment, clear communication, and teamwork—key elements in ensuring an organized and effective response during critical incidents.
Beyond technical skills, the training underscored a deeper institutional commitment to fostering a culture of vigilance, responsibility, and care within the Bedan community. By empowering employees with life-saving knowledge and practical competencies, San Beda College Alabang strengthens its readiness not only to respond to emergencies but also to protect the well-being of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Initiatives such as these reflect SBCA’s proactive approach to safety and risk management. They reinforce the College’s mission of forming individuals who are not only academically competent but also socially responsible and prepared to serve others, especially in moments of urgent need.
In times when every second counts, preparedness becomes more than a protocol—it becomes a moral responsibility. Through continuous training and collaboration with emergency response authorities, San Beda College Alabang affirms its commitment to ensuring that its community remains prepared, resilient, and ready to act.
Because in the end, preparedness saves lives.
Photos by Samantha Cambronero
