Mandaue City holds training on lifesaving

CEBU, Philippines — Mandaue City is aiming to have at least one person trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in every household as it expands community-based training on the lifesaving procedure.

‎Around 300 participants from 27 barangays joined a Sagip CPR training workshop at the Barangay Opao gym, yesterday, August 27, 2026, including city and barangay personnel, barangay health workers, persons with disabilities and their caregivers.

‎Mandaue City Health Office head Dr. Debra Catulong said the training is necessary because emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere, making basic lifesaving skills important even among residents who are not medical professionals.

‎“Importante kaayo ni nga kalihukan because we all know emergencies can happen anywhere, any time and it is very important that at least maski usa sa kada household unta naay ma train og unsaon pag administer ang CPR,” Catulong said.

‎The city health office aims to continue the training in communities and eventually have at least one CPR-trained person in every household.

‎Catulong said CPR is not limited to healthcare workers, emphasizing that ordinary residents can learn the procedure and potentially provide immediate assistance while waiting for emergency responders.

‎“CPR is not just a medical skill, it is a lifesaving skill,” she said.

‎She noted that every second is crucial when a person is found unconscious, not breathing or without a pulse, as immediate CPR can help sustain the person until professional medical assistance arrives.

‎“Simple nga CPR makahibalo ta, we are assured nga makasalbar ta og kinabuhi,” Catulong said.

‎The training was conducted under Sagip CPR, a public safety campaign initiated by pharmaceutical company Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. that provides instruction on hands-only CPR and the proper use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

‎The campaign's training sessions are conducted with medical practitioners from partner organizations, including the Philippine Medical Association, and cover CPR demonstrations as well as discussions on heart health.

‎Mandaue's participation is also part of the Sagip CPR Nautical Highway initiative launched by Bell-Kenz, the Philippine Coast Guard and Cebu City. The initiative seeks to bring CPR training to communities and groups along major transport corridors, where large populations are concentrated and cardiac emergencies may occur.

‎The program has been extended to various sectors, including uniformed services, schools, fisherfolk, transport hubs, national government agencies and local governments.

‎About 100,000 individuals have undergone the training since Sagip CPR was launched in August 2025.

‎Bell-Kenz corporate communications and public affairs head Patrick Larraga said the participation of local communities highlights the importance of having trained individuals who can respond during emergencies.

‎Catulong, meanwhile, said the city wants to expand the program beyond medical personnel and reach more residents at the community and household levels.

‎“Among hinaot nga muabot ta sa point unya nga tanang households matudluan,” she said.

‎She added that the city health office will continue holding training sessions as it works toward making CPR knowledge more accessible to Mandaue residents. – LPM (CEBU NEWS)