The City Council, during last Monday’s regular session, approved on first reading a proposed ordinance amending Section 4 of Ordinance 129, series of 2018, that required all private and public establishments to provide basic life-support services by employing personnel trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to administer CPR and automated external defibrillators (AED) in the event of emergencies in their respective businesses.
The proposed amendment to the said provision stated that establishments, whether government or private, shall employ trained first aid teams or personnel who can administer CPR and AED or similar techniques, including application of first aid and whose services shall always be available during working or office hours of the said businesses.
Further, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) shall conduct annual CPR, first aid, and basic life support training to government employees, barangay officials, security guards and hotel staff.
Councilor Maria Mylen Victoria G. Yaranon, author of the proposed amendatory ordinance, stipulated that an amendment to the city’s existing ordinance which required for an annual CPR and basic life support training for government employees, barangay officials, security guards and hotel staff is imperative to ensure that the intent of the ordinance will be fully realized.
She pointed out that personnel in both public and private sectors, such as government employees, barangay officials, security guards, and hotel staff, should be given annual trainings on CPR, first aid and basic life support by the CDRRMO to hone and refresh trainee skills in CPR, first aid, and basic life support, as well as to update them on new procedures.
The proponent anchored her idea on Section 16 of Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government Code of the Philippines, that states that every local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare.
Moreover, Section 15, Article 2 of the Philippine Constitution guarantees that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
Ordinance No. 129, series of 2018, requires private and public establishments to employ personnel who can provide CPR and administer AED in the event of emergencies. – Dexter A. See
