The University of Northern Philippines, through its College of Open and Distance Education (CODE), partnered with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)–Sto. Domingo and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sto. Domingo, through its Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), to conduct a two-day Emergency Medical Response Training for Barangay Responders on November 12–13, 2026, in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur.
The activity was conducted under CODE’s TARABAY–NAINGAT Project (Community Safety and Crime Prevention), anchored on the University’s Extension Agenda on Governance, Leadership and Social Empowerment and implemented through its Health and Resilient Community Program.
The training aimed to equip barangay responders with the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide immediate medical assistance during accidents, medical emergencies, disasters, and other life-threatening situations. It emphasized emergency preparedness, prompt response, appropriate medical interventions, and coordination with concerned response agencies, recognizing the role of barangay responders as often the first to arrive at emergency scenes.
Leading the UNP-CODE delegation were Dean Dr. Dolores R. Bersamina, Assistant Dean Dr. Wilson R. Tolio, and Unit Extension Coordinator Mr. Jay Ar Joshua A. Tolentino, MASW. The BFP–Sto. Domingo was represented by SFO4 Leopoldo Lindsey F. Ayunon Jr., Acting Municipal Fire Marshal, while the LGU was represented by Mrs. Cecilia G. De Vera, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer III.
The activity was made possible through the existing Memorandum of Agreement between UNP and the Municipality of Sto. Domingo, supporting the University’s partnership with the local government in delivering extension services responsive to community needs.
Article by Wilson Tolio.
