Employees of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) gained hands-on emergency response training through the Sagip CPR program of Bell-Kenz Pharma, held on April 20 at the LTO Licensing Center along East Avenue.
The session gathered participants from different LTO offices and focused on equipping frontliners with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively during medical emergencies. What began as a learning activity quickly developed into a deeper discussion on health awareness and preparedness in the workplace.
RELATED: [Bell-Kenz, DOTr Holds “Paghahanda Para sa Oplan Biyaheng Ayos 2026: Sagip CPR” Initiative]
Raising Awareness on Everyday Health Risks
During the training, participants shared common health concerns, including experiencing palpitations even while at rest. These symptoms were discussed in the context of possible triggers such as stress, fatigue, heat exposure, and high caffeine intake.
The conversation highlighted the importance of monitoring one’s health and seeking medical advice when symptoms become persistent, reinforcing the role of awareness in preventing more serious conditions.
A key part of the training focused on distinguishing between different types of medical emergencies. Participants were guided on how cardiac arrest differs from other conditions such as hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding in the brain and may present as a sudden, severe headache.
The session emphasized that CPR is necessary in cases of cardiac arrest but not appropriate for all emergencies, underscoring the need for correct knowledge and timely action.
Personal Experiences Highlight Urgency
For some attendees, the training carried personal meaning. Ms. Ruby Dina Bersola from the Custodial and Releasing Section shared her family’s experience with hemorrhagic stroke and cardiac arrest, reflecting how unpredictable such incidents can be. Ms. Agnes Ganzon of the Data Control Unit stressed the importance of immediate response.
“Napaka-significant kasi minutes lang ‘yan—pwedeng mawala,” she said.
It’s very significant because it only takes minutes—life can be lost. (translated from Tagalog)
For Mr. Jualito Villamar Jr., Traffic Aide II at the LTO Central Office, the training was directly relevant to field operations.
“Napakalaking bagay na matutunan namin itong skills na ito. Sa field namin, importante na handa kami. Kapag may emergency sa labas, makakapag-response kami ng maayos,” he shared.
Learning these skills is a big help. In our line of work, it’s important that we’re prepared. If an emergency happens outside, we can respond properly. (translated from Tagalog)
Through Sagip CPR, Bell-Kenz Pharma continues to expand access to life-saving training, particularly among frontliners who are often present during emergencies.
The initiative reinforces the importance of preparedness, showing that beyond being present, having the right knowledge and confidence to act can make a critical difference when every second counts.
RELATED: [Bell-Kenz, DOTr Formalize Sagip CPR Partnership Through MOU Signing]
