Fourth-year Social Work interns from the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) at Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) recently underwent critical training in Basic Life Support (First Aid) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). Conducted by the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ZCDRRMO), the training aimed to equip interns with essential skills and knowledge to effectively respond to medical emergencies and disaster situations within the community. The event took place at the CSWCD grounds on WMSUโs Campus B.
The day-long program commenced with opening formalities, including the national anthem and the Zamboanga Hermosa Hymn. Dr. Jocelyn T. Gaas, Dean of CSWCD, delivered the welcome address, following her introduction by Mr. Jayson Adelan. Asst. Prof. Maria Teresa A. Sta. Ana then introduced the keynote speaker, Mr. Aaron Renz E. Salian, RN, EMT, of the ZCDRRMO Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Section, along with his team.
During the morning session, Salian and his team provided comprehensive instruction on essential life support techniques and the fundamental principles of disaster risk reduction and management. The afternoon session was dedicated to hands-on learning, where the ZCDRRMO team demonstrated various first aid procedures for common medical emergencies. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, interns actively practiced these techniques, reinforcing their understanding through direct application.
A question-and-answer session allowed interns to seek clarifications and deepen their grasp of key concepts. The training concluded with a closing message from Assoc. Prof. Jannet R. Francisco, Associate Dean of CSWCD, followed by a photo opportunity to commemorate the event.
This training is a crucial component of the Bachelor of Science in Social Work curriculum, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. By equipping future social workers with skills in basic life support and disaster preparedness, the program empowers them to serve as valuable first responders and community advocates. These competencies will enable them to assist individuals and families during emergencies, contributing significantly to community resilience and well-being.
Moreover, this initiative underscores the social work professionโs commitment to social justice and service. Ensuring that vulnerable populations receive critical support in times of crisis is a fundamental responsibility of social workers. By investing in their capacity to respond effectively to emergencies, WMSU and its partners are strengthening the future of community care and disaster response in Zamboanga City. (Ms. Patricia Pauline R. Pernia, CSWCD Faculty)
