MAKATI CITY — Fifty-three fourth-year nursing students from the University of Makati Institute of Nursing underwent a three-day Pre-Immersion Activity designed to strengthen their readiness for emergencies and disasters. Conducted from August 24 to 26, 2026, the classroom-based training was organized by the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) as part of the students’ 63-hour Related Learning Experience (RLE) program. The activity equipped the students with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes for responding to emergency situations. Training topics included the RLE program’s objectives and overview, the operations of the Makati DRRMO and its Operations Center, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, communication procedures, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) protocols, emergency response processes, assigned roles and responsibilities, and safety guidelines.
Bringing Nursing Education Closer to Real-World Emergencies
The pre-immersion activity serves as the foundation for the students’ upcoming hands-on experience, allowing them to connect classroom lessons with the actual demands of disaster nursing, disaster risk reduction and management, and emergency medical services. Through the program, students are being prepared to respond safely, effectively, and collaboratively to emergencies, particularly in pre-hospital environments and other real-world situations where immediate action is crucial. The immersion will continue until November 2026, marking the third batch of University of Makati nursing students to take part in the initiative. By combining academic instruction with practical exposure, the program helps future nurses develop a deeper understanding of the responsibilities involved in emergency response and disaster situations.
Strengthening Makati’s Culture of Disaster Preparedness
The initiative reflects Makati’s broader commitment to safety, preparedness, and resilience by involving key stakeholders in a coordinated approach to disaster response. As healthcare providers who may be among the first to assist during emergencies, future nurses need both operational knowledge and technical skills to effectively serve affected communities. Through initiatives like the RLE program, Makati continues to invest in developing competent, prepared, and resilient healthcare professionals. Strengthening the capabilities of future nurses not only supports their professional development but also contributes to the city’s continuing efforts to build a safer and more disaster-resilient community.
