29/07/2026
๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐ฆ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐๐จ๐๐๐ฆ: ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ก๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ก๐๐ก๐ฆ๐จ๐๐'๐ฆ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฆ๐ง ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ข๐ก๐๐๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฆ๐ ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ก ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฌ ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ข๐ก๐ฆ๐
The Office of Civil Defense Regional Office IX successfully concluded the Rescuelympics 2026 held in the Municipality of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, a premier emergency response competition conducted under the directives of Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., through the guidance of Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Harold N. Cabreros, and under the active leadership of OCD Regional Office IX Regional Director Atty. Ruel S. Halanes.
The National Rescuelympics 2026 gathered six (6) of the region's finest emergency response teams representing Zamboanga City, Isabela City, Municipality of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, Province of Zamboanga del Sur, Province of Zamboanga del Norte, and Province of Zamboanga Sibugay. The competition served as a high-level simulation designed to evaluate the competence, technical proficiency, teamwork, coordination, decision-making, and operational readiness of local emergency responders through realistic rescue scenarios. Participants demonstrated their capabilities in responding to complex incidents that tested their skills in search and rescue, patient management, incident command, and emergency response operations, reinforcing the importance of preparedness and resilience in safeguarding communities.
The event formally opened with an inspiring message from Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Harold N. Cabreros, who emphasized the vital role of highly trained responders in strengthening the country's disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities. His message underscored the importance of continuous capacity-building, collaboration, and excellence among local government emergency response teams in ensuring safer and more resilient communities.
The success of the competition was made possible through the invaluable expertise of the evaluators and facilitators. Responders from the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Taguig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Caloocan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office served as event facilitators and scenario actors, ensuring that each rescue simulation closely reflected actual emergency situations. Meanwhile, the panel of umpires composed of representatives from the Department of Health Regional Office IX, Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, Bureau of Fire Protection Regional Office IX, and the Philippine Red Cross diligently and objectively evaluated every team's performance throughout the competition, ensuring fairness, accuracy, and adherence to nationally recognized emergency response standards.
During the Closing and Awarding Ceremony, Civil Defense Deputy Administrator Assistant Secretary Henry A. Robinson Jr. delivered his congratulatory message, commending all participating teams for their remarkable dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. He recognized every responder for exemplifying courage, discipline, teamwork, and the unwavering spirit of public service throughout the competition.
After a series of challenging rescue events, the official winners of the National Rescuelympics 2026 are:
๐ฅ CHAMPION โ Zamboanga City
๐ฅ 1st Runner-Up โ Municipality of Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur
๐ฅ 2nd Runner-Up โ Isabela City, Basilan
Congratulations to all participating teams for showcasing exceptional skill, determination, and operational excellence. Beyond the competition, the National Rescuelympics 2026 strengthened inter-agency collaboration, enhanced responder competencies, and reaffirmed the collective commitment of local government units and emergency response organizations to building a more disaster-resilient nation.
