Queensway, Singapore – The UNTV news-and-rescue team in Singapore underwent a basic rescue-and-fire safety training from the Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) last November.

After their successful completion of the rescue training from the SCDF, the UNTV news-and-rescue team of Singapore pose for a group photo (Source: Photoville International).

Aimed at equipping the news-and-rescue team with core lifesaving and emergency skills and knowledge during emergencies, the course bode well to UNTV’s “Tulong Muna Bago Balita” (Rescue First Before News) advocacy launched by Kuya Daniel Razon in the Philippines.

The SCDF community emergency preparedness programme include taught attendees about first aid essentials, cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR technique, and fire safety drill through lectures and practical hands-on engagements.

Responders First, Then Journalists

Participants were trained on how to effectively respond during life or death situations, which is the core of the UNTV advocacy to save lives in instead of prioritizing the delivery of news reports.

UNTV Correspondent Mary Jo Maleriado said this is an opportunity to render assistance through responding to the ones in danger, particularly those in the city state.

On any given day, they can apply the rescue skills they’ve obtained in the training, according to UNTV Reporter Annie Reyes.

In the fire safety drill conducted by the SCDF, UNTV volunteers and correspondents test the fire extinguisher device to stop the spread of the fire and smoke. (Source: Photoville International)

UNTV Senior Correspondent Robert Navoa thanked Kuya Daniel because of his advocacy who molds them not only of becoming newsmen but also being a responder first in the community.

UNTV Senior Correspondent Robert Navoa took part in the hands-only CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training. (Source: Photoville International)

Meanwhile for Jeffrey Navarro, he regarded the rescue training as a fulfilment because this was not just an add-on to his skill set, but it also allows him to assume the Good Samaritan role. Navarro is a cameraman with UNTV.

Rescue First Before News

In 2010, Kuya Daniel started “Tulong Muna Bago Balita” advocacy (Rescue First Before News) that links reporting and action.

The veteran broadcast journalist’s selfless goals and innovative thoughts moved people to reach out fellowmen which he said are more important than anything else, more than getting and delivering news.

Written by Karmi Tongol-Anecito