However, Rene Punzalan, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, reported that three out of the 31 rescue volunteers were not able to finish the training.

The SARAT was designed and facilitated by the 505th Search and Rescue Group of the Philippine Air Force (SRG-PAF), headed by 1Lt. Audifax Abcede.

Abcede said "this Search and Rescue Auxiliary Training comprises skills on specific rescue procedures in order to be used as a component of a training program comprising tightly supervised field training with certified instructors."

He added "each search and rescue training scenario is different from the other because it involves the use of judgment and decision-making abilities of every rescue volunteer that have been developed through personal experience."

The participants underwent a series of training exercises which included water search and rescue, rope rescue techniques, collapsed structure search and rescue, and vehicle road accident rescue.

On behalf of Governor Rogelio “Ruel” D. Pacquiao, Board Member Joseph Calanao graced the activity and expressed his warmest congratulations to all the finishers.

"You being away from your home and your family for 16 days to be trained here is something that you don’t have to be ashamed of, instead, isa ka butang na kinahangalan ika-proud ninyo," said Calanao.

"This is a lifesaving learning kay nagtuon mo to make a difference not just for yourself and your family, but para mag-save sa kinabuhi sa uban," Calanao added.

The activity was also intended to augment the manpower requirements of the local counterparts which can provide support to their constituents who are in distress or imminent danger.

This year’s National Resilient Month was anchored on the theme "Sambayanang Pilipino, Nagkakaisa tungo sa Katatagan at Maunlad na Kinabukasan." (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

Photos by Jake T. Narte taken on July 6 during the 505th Search and Rescue Auxiliary Training Course at the Capitol gym.