Cebu journos told how to survive in the wild

FIGHT CLUB. Journalists and media workers together with staffers of the Visayan Electric Co. (Veco) watch a self-defense technique demonstration during a survival skills workshop conducted by the Emergency Research Center at the Veco Development Academy in barangay Sirao in Cebu City.
(CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)

Cebu-based  journalist  concluded a two-day training session on  surviving in a calamity-stricken area at the Visayan Electric Co. (Veco) Development Academy in the mountain barangay of Sirao, Cebu City yesterday.

Louie Domingo, director of the Emergency Research Center, said the training they conducted in coordination with Veco aims to equip media practitioners with the skills to cope with crisis situations specifically natural and manmade disasters.

There were 24 participants consisting of nine media practitioners and Veco line personnel who were divided into five groups.   Some of their training sessions include budgeting limited provisions and building a fire without matches and lighters.

“People should learn other techniques on how to build fire for them to survive and cook food,” Domingo said.

SIMULATED EMERGENCY

Participants were also taught how to navigate an area using a compass, search for provisions in the field and first aid treatment like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A simulated emergency situation in which Veco personnel role-played injury victims was held followed by techniques on how to escape a hostage crisis.

Participants were also taught basic self defense and how to open a can with no instruments..

Domingo said this was the first such training they introduced in the country.   “When people are  interested then they can easily  learn these skills,” he said.

Veco information officer Theresa Gonzales said they were glad that both media practitioners and their line personnel were trained on measures in the   handling of  emergency situations.