First Responders

AS THE COUNTRY marks a decade since the launching of the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation-Ready Philippines Campaign (CPR-Ready PH), the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) called on the national and local governments to implement the CPR Act or Republic Act 10871 that mandates all public and private schools to incorporate aged-appropriate basic life support training in the high school curriculum. This is for all Filipinos to equip themselves with lifesaving skills and become first responders in emergencies. In photo are High School Students from Nangka in Marikina City undergoing CPR training. The PHA observes National CPR Day every July 17, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration in March 2024, institutionalizing the date as an annual nationwide observance. CPR Act lapsed into law in 2016.