MMDA resumes training of volunteers for rescue operations

MMDA ‘Shake Drill’ (MMDA on Facebook)

MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said on Sunday it will resume its training of rescue volunteers for Metro Manila Rescue Volunteer Core to reinforce its 8,000 rescue personnel in case disasters hit the metropolis.

MMDA General Manager Corazon Jimenez said that the agency stop conducting trainings for the last three days for the data base but they will resume the training on Wednesday.

The MMDA is aiming to train 8,000 volunteers for free to be part of the Metro Manila Rescue Volunteer Core.

Jimenez said that as of now there are 4,500 people who walk-in and also register online fro the training.

“Sa Wednesday umpisa na naman kami sa pagti- training.. huminto kami ng tatlong araw sa dahilang were doing all the data base yung sa training lahat nung ng nag online registration and walk in ,there are 4,500 po out of 8,000… umpisa na uli tayo hanggang September fully book na po kami sa training.. pero we could just manage to under go the 3 days training ulit,” Jimenez said during the weekly agency’s radio program on Sunday.

Earlier, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino explained that private individuals and people from homeowners associations could also sign up for the training as long as they are 18 yrs. old and above and are physically prepared for training.

He noted that the training will be done batch by batch composing of 30 volunteers to maximize the facilities and the time of the trainer.

Participants will recieve T-shirts, identification cards and a certificate of training.

“They will be able to use the knowldge they gained from training in real-life scenario and that is free,” Tolentino added.

The training is part of the preparation efforts of the MMDA to respond in case a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits Metro Manila.

Interested individuals may call MMDA office at 882-0927 or the MMDA Trunkline at 882-4151.