By Ricky J. Bautista
PORAC, Pampanga — The Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI), in collaboration with the Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Porac, Pampanga, successfully conducted its 4th MFPI National Mountain Search and Rescue Specialist Course from April 21 to 27, 2024.
“A total of 34 participants, including 19 mountaineer-members of MFPI from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and 15 emergency responders from Porac, graduated from the rigorous training held in Barangay Jalung, Porac, Pampanga,” said MFPI National President Hensel Quilling.
Quilling emphasized that the training, facilitated by MFPI National Search and Rescue Team MOSAR trainers, focused on the Fundamentals and Principles of Search and Rescue, equipping participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, attitude, and discipline of competent SAR responders.
“I am proud of the dedication and commitment shown by our members and partners in completing this training,” Quilling, who is also the president of Tarlac Mountaineering Club (TMC) added.
This year’s graduates, known as the “Pinatubo batch,” will join previous batches Kawayan, Canlaon, and Tandawan during the 5th MFPI NSART National Convention or Rescuelympics 2025 in Eastern Visayas.
Alongside Quilling, Vice President for Visayas Neil Mabini, Education Committee head Jong Narciso, Elmer Cabotage (former Education Committee head), and Yay Ortega (former President and a lady NSART) personally supervised the training activities.
“The successful completion of this training marks a significant milestone for all participants. It is a testament to their dedication to enhancing their skills in search and rescue operations,” said Mabini.
The MFPI expressed gratitude to Pitman Outdoors, Sky Connect, BMC instructor Salvador Elmer Cabotaje, Jonald Gleen Espanola, MDRRMO Porac led by Francis Caligagan, and other unnamed sponsors for their invaluable assistance in making the training a success.
“We are grateful for the support of our partners and sponsors, who have played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this training program,” said Narciso, a seasoned outdoorsman.
MFPI, the umbrella organization of major mountaineering clubs in the Philippines, remains dedicated to promoting Responsible Mountaineering and Volunteerism.
“The conclusion of this training marks the beginning of a new chapter for the NSART, leaving a positive impact not only in the mountaineering community but also in local governments across constituencies,” said NSART chairman Juber Lugas.
In a notable participation, Samar Mountaineering and Outdoor Club, Inc. (SAMOC) delegate Victor Pol Llana, who passed the MFPI evaluation on Single Rope Technique (SRT), represented Samar as the sole NSART accredited responder from the province.
“These things we do, so others may live,” said Llana, echoing the NSART motto.
(Photos courtesy of Juber Lugas, MFPI, and NSART trainers)
