03/08/2026
From Safety Mapping to First Aid: MSUN Equips Church Leaders for Crisis Response
Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN), through the Office of the Extension Services, successfully conducted a two-day Church Emergency Response Workshop on July 20–21, 2026 at La Concepcion, Naawan, Misamis Oriental, equipping church leaders and volunteers with essential skills in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
The program opened with a Praise and Worship activity, after which Dr. Aida D. Perpetua, Director of the Office of the Extension Services, welcomed the participants and encouraged them to become proactive partners in building safer and more resilient communities through disaster preparedness.
The first day introduced participants to the common hazards that may affect churches and nearby communities. Michael James O. Baclayon, MSc, discussed the risks posed by earthquakes, floods, and landslides, while participants learned how to identify vulnerable church members who may need special assistance during emergencies.
The discussions were followed by practical activities, including church safety mapping, hazard identification, and evacuation planning. Participants also gained knowledge on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices to help ensure safe and sanitary conditions during disasters.
To address the emotional impact of emergencies, Emmanuel Lumayno, RN, facilitated a session on Psychological First Aid, where participants learned simple techniques in active listening, providing comfort, and helping distressed individuals remain calm during crisis situations.
Building on the lessons from the first day, the second day focused on emergency response skills through lectures and hands-on activities. Participants practiced basic first aid and injury triage, including bleeding control, safe patient transport, and prioritizing injured individuals according to the severity of their condition.
The workshop also covered evacuation procedures, relief distribution, and the organization of Church Response Teams, allowing participants to better understand their specific roles during emergencies.
The training concluded with a full-scale emergency disaster drill, where participants applied the knowledge and skills they had gained throughout the workshop. A feedback session followed, allowing participants to reflect on their performance, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen team coordination. They also completed a simple household preparedness checklist to encourage disaster readiness beyond their church communities.
The two-day workshop ended with a closing and blessing ceremony, where participants received certificates in recognition of their commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness within their respective churches. The newly organized Church Emergency Response Teams were likewise formally dedicated, marking another step toward building safer and more resilient communities through collaboration and preparedness.
Through initiatives such as the Church Emergency Response Workshop, MSUN continues to advance its extension mission by promoting community resilience, disaster preparedness, and public safety. By empowering church leaders and volunteers with practical skills and knowledge, the University strengthens collaborative efforts toward creating communities that are better prepared to respond to emergencies and recover from disasters.
