15/06/2026
๐๐๐๐ || ๐๐๐๐๐๐จ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐จ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ
Following days of rigorous and simultaneous training and rescue challenges, the Provincial Government, along with courageous Emergency Response Units and uniformed personnel from both the province and neighboring localities, gathered last night, June 11, 2026, to celebrate the success of this year's Ibabao Rescue Jamboree, held as part of Northern Samar's founding anniversary celebrations.
This year, participating Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) across the province underwent intensive, hands-on training led by elite rescue units, including the Metro Manila Development Authority - Elite Response Unit (MMDA-ERU) and the Quezon City DRRMO (QCDRRMO). Supported by the 803rd Infantry Brigade, the 803rd Training School, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the program guided participating teams through critical rescue disciplines: Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), High Angle Rescue, Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) management, Mountain Search and Rescue (MOSAR), and the ex*****on of response protocols. This collaborative initiative specifically aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and tactical interoperability during large-scale disaster scenarios like earthquakes and tsunamis.
After successfully conquering the Ibabao Rescue Challenge across various critical life-saving operations, the following rescue teams emerged as this year's top performers:
๐๐ฉ๐๐ง ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ
โข Champion - MDRRMO of Palapag
โข 1st Runner Up - NSPPO
โข 2nd Runner Up - 543rd Infantry Battalion
๐๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ
โข Champion - MDRRMO of Pambujan
โข 1st Runner Up - MDRRMO of Gamay
โข 2nd Runner Up - MDRRMO San Roque
Meanwhile, the following teams bagged the special awards:
๐
๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐
โข MDRRMO Santa Margarita (Open Category)
โข MDRRMO San Jose (Local Category)
๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ง๐ข๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ
โข MDRRMO Santa Margarita (Open Category)
โข MDRRMO Pambujan (Local Category)
๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฒ
โข MDRRMO Palapag (Open Category)
โข MDRRMO San Jose (Local Category)
While other participating MDDRMOs during the 4th Ibabao Rescue Jamboree received consolation prizes.
PDRRMO Head Mr. Josiah Rei Echano, who led this year's Rescue Jamboree, alongside QCDRRMO Representative Mr. Kenneth Lopez, MMDA Representative Mr. Allan Longcop, and the Philippine Coast Guard Representative, together underscored the importance of this activity as a platform for sharing knowledge, enabling teams to learn side by side in capacitating responders to foster a disaster-ready province.
Present also during the ceremony were Board Member Gina Silvano on behalf of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, HRMDO Head Ruel Jarito, Pambujan Municipal Administrator Moises Balanquit, and LGU Pambujan Councilor Rene Surio.
By bridging the gap between national rescue expertise and local enforcement units, this training event plays a significant role in improving frontline tactical capabilities, streamlining emergency protocols, and ensuring that no community is left vulnerable when disaster strikes.
Governor Harris Ongchuan, Vice Governor Clarence Dato and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members extend their congratulations and salute to all the participating responders and rescuers whose dedication and service continue to strengthen Northern Samar's disaster preparedness and resilience. Until next!
