A total of 1,500 individuals in Cebu were trained in Hands-Only CPR through the Sagip CPR program of Bell-Kenz Pharma, reinforcing efforts to improve community-level response during medical emergencies.
The training, held at Southwestern University PHINMA, brought together students, community members, and frontline workers in a shared effort to build basic but critical life-saving capability. The activity highlights the increasing recognition of how immediate action from bystanders can make a difference in emergencies.
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Strengthening Readiness in Everyday Spaces
The program was designed to make emergency response skills more accessible in settings where people live, study, and work. For educators, the initiative also reinforces the importance of preparedness within academic communities.
Ms. Maita G. Magalong, Vice President for Student Life of SouthWestern University PHINMA, noted the value of equipping individuals with practical response skills.
"The significance of Sagip CPR training lies in our shared goal of providing a safe environment - one that can only be achieved when we are equipped with the skills to respond effectively during emergencies."
Bell-Kenz Pharma, for its part, emphasized Cebu’s role in strengthening local preparedness efforts.
"We see Cebu as a key area where community preparedness can truly make an impact," shared Patrick Larraga, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma.
He added, "Every individual trained represents a stronger chance of survival for someone in need. In critical moments, courage and action matter more than hesitation, and that is exactly what we aim to instill in every participant. With more people trained in Hands-Only CPR, we are building a network of everyday heroes ready to respond in emergencies."
Part of a Growing National Rollout
The Cebu leg is one of many training implementations under the expanding Sagip CPR program, which has been rolled out across multiple regions in the country since its launch in August 2025 at PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College.
The initiative has since reached Metro Manila, Northern and Central Luzon, several provinces in Bicol, parts of the Visayas, including Panay Island, and areas in Mindanao, such as General Santos City and North Cotabato.
Expanding Reach Through Partnerships
To widen its impact, Sagip CPR is implemented in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and various local government units. These partnerships allow the program to extend into transport hubs, public spaces, and community-based locations where emergency response is often needed most.
Through these efforts, the program continues to grow as both a training initiative and a broader public readiness campaign, encouraging more Filipinos to take an active role in emergencies. With Cebu continuing to develop as a key urban center for education, commerce, and tourism, initiatives like Sagip CPR contribute to strengthening not only health awareness but also community resilience.
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