CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – Demonstrating a proactive commitment to disaster preparedness, the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division conducted Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Training Class 01-2025 under the “PAGPARIG-ON” Exercise from May 21 to 23, 2025.
The three-day training aimed to enhance the readiness and coordination of disaster response teams. A total of 120 personnel from the 8ID and the Bureau of Fire Protection Special Rescue Unit–Tacloban participated in the intensive program.
The training commenced with academic sessions and progressed into dynamic simulation exercises involving high-angle and mountain search and rescue, urban search and rescue, real-time medical evacuation operations, and survival knot-tying. These activities focused on improving operational synergy among units and bolstering individual and collective response capabilities.
“This HADR training, as part of the PAGPARIG-ON Exercise, underscores our shared responsibility to safeguard lives and communities. With the skills and coordination gained, I am confident in our increased capacity to respond effectively and save more lives,” said Col. Ronald M. Illana, Commander of Joint Task Group-Tacloban.
Participating units also included the 2nd Civil-Military Operations “Sinarigan” Company, the 93rd Infantry “Bantay Kapayapaan” Battalion, and the 804th Community Defense Center, highlighting a collaborative approach across multiple service components.
The event was honored by the presence of Dr. Lord Byron Torrecarion, Ph.D., Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 8. The exercise concluded with a coordination debriefing session, where participants identified strengths and operational gaps to further refine future HADR strategies.
“As natural disasters grow in frequency and severity, the PAGPARIG-ON Exercise highlights our evolving role—not just as protectors in times of conflict, but also as vital first responders during calamities,” said Director Torrecarion.
With enhanced coordination and sharpened skills, the 8ID continues to solidify its role as a key responder in the nation’s disaster resilience efforts. | via Ricky Bautista with reports and photos from the Philippine Army
