TALISAY CITY, Philippines — A three-day intensive disaster preparedness and emergency response program concluded Saturday, equipping participants with lifesaving skills to transform local congregations into emergency response hubs.
The event, titled “Rescue Olympics: Disaster Ready Church 2026,” ran from May 28 to 30 at the Adventist Academy Cebu Gymnasium and Auditorium. Operating under the theme “Ready to Serve, Ready to Save, Lives in Times of Crisis,” the initiative brought together church members, volunteers, community leaders, and emergency response professionals to develop a network of physically fit, mentally alert, and spiritually grounded rescuers.
The training program was a collaborative effort among the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Adventist Community Services (ACS), the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Talisay City Disaster Response Team, and the Talisay City Health Program.
It aimed to comprehensively equip participants with critical, multi-sector emergency skills—including first aid, fire response, and search and rescue—through practical drills and competitions. Beyond technical training, the program promoted unity and teamwork among local churches and community responders in the spirit of Christian service, while cultivating disciplined leaders capable of making quick, courageous decisions under pressure.
In addition, the initiative focused on developing a network of physically fit, mentally alert, and spiritually grounded rescuers prepared to protect lives in sudden crises.
Two ADRA representatives served as the featured speakers. Dr. Hope S. Aperocho, director for ADRA Philippines, delivered the sermon during the divine worship service, while Karl Mark Ceras Morta, the agency’s emergency response coordinator, led the technical training sessions.
The opening day focused on establishing the church’s foundational role in disaster response, beginning and ending with devotionals that framed emergency service as a spiritual calling.
Morning sessions led by ADRA and ACS combined theological discussions with practical workshops on community hazard mapping and asset assessment. In the afternoon, local government agencies—including the BFP and LDRRMO—conducted hands-on tactical training, including fire drills, search-and-rescue operations, and emergency simulations, to build teamwork and leadership under pressure.
Training intensified on the second day, shifting toward advanced organizational management and vital lifesaving skills. Following a morning devotional centered on Christ’s example of service, ADRA and ACS guided participants in establishing church-based Emergency Response Teams, conducting rapid needs assessments, budgeting for disasters, and administering psychological first aid.
The Talisay City Disaster Team took over in the afternoon, leading technical medical workshops that gave participants hands-on experience in CPR, basic life support, injury management, and emergency kit preparation.
The event culminated Saturday with a special Sabbath worship and recognition program, where participants were awarded certificates for completing the training.
Pastor Donato Barcenas, Sabbath School and personal ministries director for the Central Visayan Conference and its ACS/ADRA coordinator, expressed gratitude for the enthusiasm, support, and cooperation extended by every participant.
“Your presence, teamwork, discipline, and willingness to learn made this Rescue Olympics a meaningful and successful experience. Through every challenge and activity, you demonstrated the spirit of service and preparedness that is at the heart of Adventist Community Services and Community Volunteer Corps.,” Pastor Barcenas stated.
For the organizers and participants, the initiative successfully strengthened the working relationship between government emergency agencies and faith-based organizations, establishing a structured network of church-based responders ready for deployment during regional crises.
As attendees returned to their communities, they shared that the event achieved its ultimate goal: inspiring a new generation of disciplined, courageous church-based responders committed to serving as a source of hope, compassion, and action whenever help is needed.
By Deomar Macabugwas | Capitol Center SDA Church