Cebu — The city has taken a major step toward enhancing emergency preparedness by launching the "Sagip CPR Nautical Highway," an initiative designed to equip communities along major sea routes with life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. Held on July 15, 2026, ahead of National CPR Day on July 17, the launch brought together over 1,000 participants, including Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel, Coast Guard Auxiliary members, barangay health workers, and local government employees. By focusing on ports, transport hubs, and tourist destinations, this program aims to create a network of CPR-ready communities capable of responding to sudden cardiac emergencies before professional medical help can arrive.
A Strategic Hub for Life-Saving Skills
Organizers selected Cebu as the launch site for this maritime-focused campaign because of its central location in the Visayas and its status as a vital hub for shipping, trade, and tourism. The initiative is a core component of the broader "Sagip CPR" movement led by Bell-Kenz Pharma, Inc., which has set an ambitious goal of training one million Filipinos in CPR. During the launch, participants received comprehensive training on heart health awareness, hands-only CPR, and the proper operation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Officials emphasized that this nautical approach is designed to expand across the archipelago, eventually covering major routes from Batangas through the Visayan islands and extending into Mindanao hubs like Davao and Zamboanga.
Collaborative Action for Resilient Communities
The successful launch highlights the power of multisectoral cooperation, bringing together private organizations, local government units, and national agencies like the PCG. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival praised the collaborative effort, noting its role in fostering safer and more resilient communities. Rear Admiral Roben De Guzman of the Coast Guard Civil Relations Service added that the partnership aligns with the PCG’s existing commitment to basic life support training for its personnel. With Bell-Kenz Pharma having already trained approximately 55,000 individuals in its first year, the movement continues to scale its efforts to bridge the gap between cardiac arrest and professional medical care.
A Nationwide Push for CPR Preparedness
This initiative coincides with the annual observance of National CPR Day on July 17, mandated by Republic Act 10871 to ensure students are equipped with basic life-saving skills. Across the country, health authorities—including the Department of Health (DOH)—are actively advocating for at least one member in every Filipino household to be trained in CPR. As cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death nationwide, these community-based training programs are essential for improving survival rates. Through sustained partnerships and expanded education, the Sagip CPR movement hopes to empower a critical mass of Filipinos with the competence and confidence needed to save lives in emergency situations.
