Bell-Kenz Boosts CPR Readiness Nationwide Through Strategic Collaboration with Philippine Navy and Vigan Local Government

Bell-Kenz Pharma’s Sagip CPR continues to take meaningful strides toward a CPR-Ready Philippines, staging two landmark events this September that brought together the armed forces and local communities. Through partnerships with the Philippine Navy and Vigan City, the campaign advanced its mission to train one million Filipinos in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and reflected a coordinated push to equip uniformed services and everyday Filipinos with lifesaving skills ahead of World Heart Day, reinforcing that preparedness must be both institutional and grassroots. 

“The vision of Sagip CPR has always been to make lifesaving skills accessible to every Filipino, whether in uniform or in our neighborhoods,” said Mr. Patrick Larraga, Corporate Branding and PR Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma. “Strong partnerships are the foundation of meaningful progress—they enable us to combine resources, share expertise, and create a greater impact together than we ever could alone.”

The campaign was launched in Cagayan de Oro in August 2025 as a direct response to the urgent national health crisis of heart disease. According to 2024 data from the Department of Health, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Philippines, claiming over 317 lives each day. Nearly half of these cases involve sudden cardiac arrest, where survival depends on immediate CPR intervention. Yet, DOH research shows that only 2 in 10 Filipinos know how to perform CPR, underscoring the critical need for nationwide training and awareness. 

Sagip CPR is Bell-Kenz’s nationwide push to train one million Filipinos in hands-only CPR within its first year. By embedding lifesaving skills in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities, the campaign seeks to build a united safety net of everyday responders, reinforcing CPR readiness as a shared national mission.

Empowering the Philippine Navy with Mission-Critical CPR Training 

On September 18 in Bonifacio Naval Station, Taguig City and September 22 in Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City, Sagip CPR conducted specialized trainings with the Philippine Navy, equipping 200 officers, recruits, and staff with hands-only CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) skills. The sessions were facilitated by the Philippine Heart Association – Council on CPR, ensuring practical, standardized instruction. 

For the Navy, CPR readiness is not only a public health tool but a vital operational skill. Personnel are often deployed in combat zones, disaster-stricken communities, and maritime rescues, situations where survival hinges on immediate response. By embedding CPR into their ranks, the Navy strengthens its capacity to save lives both in service and in community missions. 

As Lt. Mark Louwie Ramos, Commanding Officer of the Civil Affairs Unit, noted, “Through this training we are equipping ourselves, our fellow Filipinos with the knowledge and confidence to act swiftly and decisively whenever second counts.” This ongoing investment in training underscores that CPR readiness is not a one-time effort but a continuing culture of care and preparedness.   

Bell-Kenz Pharma and the Philippine Navy have cultivated a robust, multi-year partnership grounded in public service and health advocacy. Together, they have mobilized disaster relief, supported fisherfolk communities, and led educational campaigns through the Navy’s Civil Military Operations Group (CMOG-PN). This enduring collaboration now enters a pivotal new phase, expanding into CPR readiness. By integrating lifesaving training into their shared mission, Bell-Kenz and the Philippine Navy reaffirm their commitment to building a more resilient and CPR-prepared nation. 

Keeping the Beat Alive in Vigan City 

Extending the same principle of preparedness beyond armed forces, Sagip CPR brought its advocacy to Vigan City on September 24, 2025 at University of Northern Luzon, Vigan City. A refresher training gathered 280 participants, including students and members of the Vigan City Youth Emergency, to ensure that lifesaving skills remain sharp across the community. 

Supported by the Philippine Heart Association North Luzon Chapter, University of Northern Philippines, Local Government Units, and Ilocos Sur Medical Society, the event focused on hands-only CPR reeducation, allowing participants to revisit CPR techniques and strengthen their confidence in real-life application, and gain practical training in the use of AED.  

As of January 25, 2019, Vigan City holds the distinction of being CPR-ready city, a title conferred by the Philippine Heart Association in recognition of its real and ongoing commitment to emergency preparedness. Beyond certifications, the city has committed to equipping families, schools, and institutions with the skills and confidence to respond effectively in the critical first minutes of an emergency. 

As Dra. Leslie Asuncion-Viado, President of PHA-North Luzon emphasized, “We are blessed to have this partnership with Bell-Kenz Pharma, since CPR is very important in our locality. Through this activity, we’re able to help the students to help their community during emergencies.” This ongoing investment in training underscores that CPR readiness is not a one-time effort but a continuing culture of care and preparedness. 

Building a CPR-Ready Nation 

For Bell-Kenz, Sagip CPR is more than a series of one-off trainings, it is the foundation of a nationwide movement to build a CPR-ready Philippines. With a bold vision to train one million Filipinos in basic life support of its launch in August 2025, the initiative underscores that lifesaving should not be limited to hospitals and clinics but embedded in every sector of society.  

Sagip CPR’s momentum continues to grow through strong partnerships across sectors. Collaborations with the civic forces, uniformed personnels, the local governments, and various academic institutions have significantly widened the program’s reach. Each alliance brings the campaign closer to its one-million goal while nurturing a culture that views CPR as a collective responsibility of both national institutions and local communities.  

As the movement advances, Sagip CPR is steadily expanding through more training and nationwide linkages. Every new partnership and every Filipino trained strengthens Bell-Kenz’s vision of a CPR-ready Philippines, one where lives are more likely to be saved in those vital first minutes of an emergency.