MEZ firms, neighbors unite for emergency response skills

CEBU, Philippines - The Mactan Economic Zone Safety and Security Council Inc. yesterday gathered representatives from MEZ companies and barangays in Lapu-Lapu City for a friendly competition aimed at enhancing competencies in responding to emergencies.

The exercise, dubbed as Emergency Response Team Competition, saw representatives from LEAR Aquino, Gabriela and Lapu-Lapu Plants, Lexmark International Philippines Inc., Makoto Metal Tech, Taiyo Yuden, TMX Philippines Inc., DRAKA, Kor Landa Corporation, Kerry Ingredients (Philippines) Matluser, Phil-Japoan Metals with participating baranggay partners Ibo, Basak, Mactan and Pusok.

The activity, which has been undertaken for the past nine years, also aims at strengthening MEZ’ links to various communities, especially those situated near the zone.

Yesterday’s activity revolved around the theme, “Sustaining Fire Prevention Through Active Community Participation.” In observance of the Fire Prevention Month, most of the competitions focused on fire fighting strategies.

The competitions included Straight Hose Connection with Busted Hose Event, Straight Hose Connection with Ladder Event, Fire Extinguisher Relay Event, First Aid and Rescue Relay Event and Fire Buket Relay Event.

Albert Mayolo Sarmiento, President of MEZ Safety and Security Council Inc., said a good relationship with neighboring barangays is necessary because emergencies occur in a “two-way process,” meaning, MEZ will be affected by any emergency occurring in the neighboring communities and vise-versa.

MEZ itself has two fire trucks on standby to help respond to alarms in the surrounding areas.

The LEAR-Aquino Plant was declared the over-all champion in the women’s division, LEAR- Gabriela Plant for the men’s division, while TMX Philippines Inc. was named over-all champion. Barangays Ibo and Basak tied as champion in the Barangay Category.

The competition was conducted is in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross, Lapu-Lapu Fire Department, Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF), and Association of Safety Practitioners of the Philippines, Inc. ( ASPPI-7). — Antoniette T. Parce/JMO  FREEMAN NEWS)