The Department of Health—Mimaropa (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard—Palawan District has successfully completed the 9th batch of Water and Search and Rescue (Wasar) Training for water personnel attendants for Puerto Princesa City on June 9, 2017.
DoH-Mimaropa Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said there were 33 candidates who qualified and completed the five-day training which was held in different areas of the city from June 5 to 9, 2017.
“We are hoping to finish our target of 500 lifeguards within this year if whenever possible, so that we can ensure that all significant marine areas in Palawan will have a trained lifeguard to safeguard the safety and well-being of people who will engage in water activities in these beaches and resorts,” he said.
He said there were 46 candidates during the start of the training but due to the rigorous exercises and drills of the WASAR course, 13 trainees were forced to quit due to health reasons.
“It is important to have a clean bill of health if a candidate plans to join the training, that is why a physical examination is required to ensure that every trainee is fit to undergo the five-day training,” Janairo emphasized.
“Trainees must abstain and desist from their usual habit of smoking and excessive drinking of liquor because these will only slow their reflexes and reduce body coordination and weaken their lungs,” he added.
Janairo again reminded the trainees to continue their healthy lifestyle practices to keep them alert, healthy and strong while on duty.
From March 24, 2015 to present, there are now a total of 271 Wasar trained personnel and 28 certified lifeguards in the province of Palawan.