Cebu City rolls out CPR training initiative

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government formally launched the Sagip Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Nautical Highway yesterday, equipping more than a thousand barangay health workers (BHWs), local government personnel, and Coast Guard responders with life-saving skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators.

The rollout, in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Health, and Bell-Kenz Pharma, Inc., comes just two days before National CPR Day on July 17.

Under Republic Act 10871, schools are required to teach CPR to students, but the training is now being expanded into transport corridors and community settings through private sector advocacy.

Sagip CPR was introduced last year by Bell-Kenz Pharma with the goal of training one million Filipinos in CPR to help reduce sudden cardiac deaths, which claim an average of 335 lives daily nationwide.

The program emphasizes that immediate intervention by ordinary citizens in the critical minutes before medical personnel arrive can mean the difference between life and death.

Coast Guard District Central Visayas Commander Agapito Bibat underscored that the Nautical Highway initiative transforms maritime transport routes into channels for spreading life-saving knowledge, ensuring that more Filipinos are prepared to act as first responders.

Mayor Nestor Archival, for his part, stressed that the training is not a one-time activity but will be conducted in batches, with selected participants expected to cascade their knowledge to others in their barangays.

He noted that many communities are far from hospitals and clinics, making it vital that BHWs and responders are equipped to handle emergencies.

“We are very happy about this program. With over a thousand barangay health workers, etc. trained, we can say our communities are ready. This training is free, and from here we will choose those who can train others. Responders will also be trained, and this will ensure our barangays are prepared,” Archival said in an interview with reporters after the event launch.

The PCG has long recognized the importance of CPR in maritime safety, where medical facilities are often distant.

Bell-Kenz Pharma, celebrating its 20th anniversary this month, anchors Sagip CPR on its “Kaagapay ng Pilipino” philosophy, which includes providing affordable medicines, supporting community health and emergency preparedness, offering scholarships through the Bell-Kenz Foundation, and expanding access to healthcare services. — Preciosa Bacalso/MRM (FREEMAN)