A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu late on September 30, destroying homes, damaging roads, and cutting power across several towns. The quake, one of the strongest to hit Central Visayas in recent years, left at least 76 dead and displaced thousands of families, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported. Amid the chaos and fear that followed, student volunteers from the University of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue’s Community Action Response and Emergency Services (UCLM-CARES), part of A-PAD Human Resource Network (HRN), mobilized to assist affected communities.
Regional Meeting on Emergency Aid and Care Strengthens Collaborative Medical Response
General Santos City, August . 16, 2023 – In a bid to enhance disaster response strategies and strengthen medical aid efforts in times of emergencies, the Regional Meeting on Emergency Aid and Care was successfully held on August 16 in General Santos City.
The event, organized in partnership with the Philippine Medical Association, brought together an array of medical organizations and institutions from both private and public sector across the SOCCKSARGEN Region (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos).The meeting served as a platform for forging partnerships, aligning resources and enhancing coordination among the private and public medical sector.
One of the event’s resource speakers, Dr. Taizo Sakata of Peace Winds Japan, shared invaluable insights and experiences in the field of cooperative medical response. Dr. Sakata highlighted the vital importance of interdisciplinary teams in establishing an effective and well-coordinated medical response during emergencies.
The event`s participants delved into multifaceted topics, including the coordination and sharing of resources, capacity building, community engagement and emergency response protocols in the aftermath of a disaster and other emergencies. 
By fostering an environment of collective learning and open dialogue, the meeting aimed to harmonize the efforts of medical organizations, ensuring a more efficient response to crises that demand immediate medical attention.
As the meeting concluded, the resounding sentiment was one of optimism and renewed commitment to preparedness. The insights gained from this gathering has prepared the path for the medical community to engage in an open and proactive manner, establishing the groundwork for a more reliable and efficient emergency medical response system throughout the SOCCKSARGEN Region. ###
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