Red Cross trains, taps students as emergency volunteers

To equip students with lifesaving skills, the Department of Education (DepEdP and the Philippine National Red Cross Cebu Chapter recently signed a memorandum of agreement to train junior and senior high school students on safety preparedness so they will be aware and ready to act in times of emergencies and disasters.

First aid, proper hygiene and basic life support training will be part of the curriculum of the 59 high schools in Cebu City. All public schools in Cebu City will also have a Red Cross Chapter composed of 43 student volunteer members of the Red Cross.

“I challenge you that your school must have at least one Red Cross Chapter. Not just limited to one chapter, but you should have at least one. You will initiate students to volunteer in your schools through your leadership,” said Cebu City Schools Division Superintendent Bianito Dagatan, who addressed the student leaders present during the training.

The Red Cross laid out the activities they will hold in the schools, such as youth volunteer orientation course, leadership training for those students who want to be a Red Cross volunteer, and first aid training for teachers, and providing hygiene and sanitation programs to students.

Pledge 25, a blood donation program for youth volunteers who can donate blood until they reach the age of 25, was also highlighted during the activity.

Dagatan assured that the training will be appropriate for the students’ age. He encouraged students to volunteer with the Red Cross program so they can help during calamities and disasters.

It was the first time that the Red Cross partnered with a big schools division in the Philippines.

After the MOA signing, a two-day training began for the student leaders who volunteered to join the program. They were oriented about Red Cross and were given first aid and basic life support training. They were also given a simulation task to allow them to practice what they learned during the training.

Following their training, they were accredited to administer first aid in times of emergency and to volunteer with the Red Cross.

SUNSTAR FOTO / JAZIEL CALUMPAG LIFESAVERS. Student leaders witness the signing of the memorandum of agreement for the training of public school students as volunteers of the Philippine National Red Cross.