The blazing heat met with the irony of the freezing cold waters proved to be no mean feat as around 70 participants across the 18 barangays of Mariveles, Bataan, joined the Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Training last November 20 to 24, 2023.
Sponsored by GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD), the five-day training consisted of various training sessions, which started with basic first aid techniques such as hands-only CPR, bandaging, and knot tying. It was then followed by a lecture on water safety, which included a demo and practical session on rescue & survival techniques, breathing control, water entry, and swimming techniques.
The following days of the training involved several demo and practical sessions, such as a physical fitness test, rope rescue techniques, and breath-holding proficiency swimming. The trainees were also enrolled in tougher demos, which included simulation exams and exercises in rubber boat handling.
The highlight of the training was the final test proper, which involved swimming a total of 1 mile from the shores of Mariveles to Corregidor. This simulation exam determined the ultimate
application of all the skills and techniques they have learned throughout the training. Moreover, it will be the basis of who will pass the training and emerge as qualified first responders of the Municipality of Mariveles.
A total of 20 responders passed the training, which is a notable addition to the Municipality Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Mariveles, as they can now assist during calamities and emergencies. According to SK Kagawad Ivander Drio, “WASAR Training aimed to equip personnel who work near water with sufficient knowledge about the hazards created by the environment and develop skills in basic life support and water rescue.”
WASAR was created in collaboration with local government agencies and various rescue groups with the goal of providing personnel who work near the water with enough knowledge to be aware of the hazards created by the environment and to develop an understanding of basic life support and water rescue techniques.
According to GNPD’s Supervisor for Environment, Nikki Bryce Roque, this training will also help mitigate the effects of climate change to our nation, as it equips us with skilled first responders who will be at the municipality’s frontlines in times of need.
This initiative helps realize the last S of the P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S. roadmap of GNPD’s Corporate Social Responsibility team – Strengthen Disaster Resiliency. It demonstrates the companies’ strong
commitment to enabling the spirit of supporting one another in times of calamity and disaster, as well as increasing employee volunteerism.
About the GNPD
GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD) is a 2×725 MW (gross) coal-fired power plant in Mariveles, Bataan which is considered by far the biggest coal-fired power plant in the country today, spanning 26 supplied power agreements in the country.
GNPD operates under the private limited partnership of AboitizPower’s Therma Power, Inc., Ayala Corporation’s AC Energy Holdings, Inc. and Power Partners Ltd. Co.
UNIT 1 of the project has been generating power since March 2021 and went into commercial operation on December 2, 2021. Unit 2 successfully synchronized to the grid on April 23, 2022, and on May 27, 2022, it started to operate at its full load capacity. Certificate of Compliance was awarded to GNPD Unit 2 last October 11, 2022.
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