In Naga City, efforts to strengthen emergency response at the community level are taking shape through the training of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) as frontliners in life-saving situations.
Through a collaboration between Bell-Kenz Pharma and the Naga City government, BHWs from different barangays recently underwent the Sagip CPR Training of Trainers (TOT), equipping them with essential skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency response.
The program aims to transform BHWs into active first responders who can immediately assist during cardiac emergencies, especially in areas where access to medical facilities may take time.
RELATED: [Bell-Kenz, DOTr Formalize Sagip CPR Partnership Through MOU Signing]
Strengthening Grassroots Emergency Response
Cardiac arrest remains a major cause of sudden death, often occurring outside hospital settings. In such cases, immediate intervention from bystanders can significantly improve survival chances.
To address this, the training covered Basic Life Support (BLS), hands-only CPR, and the proper use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Beyond technical skills, the program also focused on preparing participants to become trainers themselves, enabling them to pass on their knowledge within their respective communities.
From Passive Response to Immediate Action
For many participants, the training marked a shift in how they respond to emergencies.
“Dati, kapag may emergency, umaasa lang kami sa ambulansya o sa pagdating ng doktor. Ngayon, alam na namin na kaya naming magsimula ng tulong agad,” one participant shared.
Before, during emergencies, we relied on ambulances or doctors to arrive. Now, we know we can start helping immediately. (translated from Tagalog)
With this approach, each trained BHW is expected to cascade the skills learned, helping build a wider network of individuals capable of responding to cardiac emergencies at the barangay level.
Building a Culture of Readiness
The initiative forms part of a broader effort by the local government to strengthen preparedness across communities. As emphasized by Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, the program is not intended as a one-time activity but as a sustained push to embed emergency readiness at the grassroots level.
With more Barangay Health Workers trained, households gain an added layer of safety, while everyday spaces such as schools, markets, and barangay halls become more capable points of response. More importantly, the initiative empowers ordinary citizens with the knowledge and confidence to take action during critical, life-threatening situations.
As more individuals are equipped with life-saving knowledge, the program aims to reduce response time and improve outcomes in emergencies.
Expanding the Reach of Life-Saving Training
Following the completion of the training, both Bell-Kenz Pharma and the Naga City government are expected to continue expanding the program to reach more communities.
The goal is to ensure that in times of emergency, trained responders are present at the community level, ready to act when every second counts.
RELATED: [Bell-Kenz, DOTr Strengthen Emergency Response With CPR Training For Transport Personnel]
About Bell-Kenz Pharma:
Bell-Kenz Pharma is a Filipino-owned pharmaceutical company dedicated to providing high-quality yet affordable healthcare solutions. Its "Sagip CPR" advocacy is a nationwide campaign to train 1 million Filipinos in Hands-Only CPR. For more information, contact Paula San Esteban at paula.sanesteban@bellkenzpharma.com or visit www.bell-kenz.net.
Follow @bellkenzpharma on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok for updates on our advocacy and initiatives.
