VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon (PIA) — Valencia City strengthened the disaster response
capabilities of barangay rescue teams and emergency responders through the 6th Rescue
MERGE (Massive Emergency Response Group Exercise), reinforcing local preparedness and
inter-agency coordination in observance of National Disaster Resilience Month.

The exercise, themed “Golden Harvest Rescue Olympics and Fire Suppression” gathered rescue
teams from barangays and government agencies for simulations that improved emergency
response skills, coordination, and disaster readiness.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief June Ray Valero said
the annual activity was organized in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP),
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other local stakeholders.
Participants responded to simulated fire incidents using hoses and fire extinguishers, rescued
mock victims from accident and disaster scenarios, administered basic first aid, and carried out
emergency transport and evacuation procedures. Before the competition, CDRRMO and BFP
personnel also demonstrated high-angle rescue techniques.
The annual exercise directly aligns with the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda,
which prioritizes climate resilience, public safety, and proactive disaster mitigation as key pillars
of sustainable national economic development.
Vice Mayor Greizl Galario-Fernandez said preparedness begins with continuous training and
collaboration among emergency responders.

“Every lesson and challenge from the exercise would help participants respond more effectively
to future emergencies,” Galario-Fernandez said.
DILG Cluster Local Government Operations Officer Jan Eric Manasan emphasized that disaster
preparedness is a shared responsibility involving government, communities, and individual
citizens.
He encouraged barangay officials, responders, volunteers, and residents to participate in
earthquake drills, evacuation exercises, and emergency response training, noting that regular
practice improves readiness and helps save lives
Manasan said initiatives such as Rescue MERGE support the four thematic areas of the National
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2020–2030—Prevention and Mitigation,
Preparedness, Response, and Rehabilitation—by translating national policies into concrete local
action.
The activity concluded with an awarding ceremony recognizing teams for outstanding
performance, teamwork, and efficiency during the rescue simulations.
City officials said the annual Rescue MERGE program continues to improve disaster
preparedness and strengthen coordination among Valencia City’s emergency response units.
“By continually upskilling barangay-level first responders, Valencia City supports the national
policy of building inclusive, grassroots disaster resilience, ensuring that communities on the
frontlines are fully equipped to protect lives and infrastructure during crises,” Manasan said.
(Frenz Patrick Rolly R. Anino/PIA-10/Bukidnon)