From Training to Action: CPR-Trained Frontliners Equipped with Life-Saving AEDs, Ready for the Holy Week Exodus

(From Left to Right Ms. Sheryl Ong Corporate Secretary, Metro Mega Consortia Group (EDSA Carousel Operator, Rear Admiral Oliver S. Tanseco – Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) / DOTr-SAICT, Mr. Patrick Emmanuel Larraga Corporate Branding and Public Affairs Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. and Ian Jauculan – Security Supervisor, PITX)

As millions of Filipino commuters prepare for the Holy Week exodus, transport frontliners—including bus drivers, conductors, and terminal staff—are now fully prepared to respond to emergencies, equipped through comprehensive CPR training and the provision of life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Bell-Kenz Pharma ceremonially turned over three AEDs yesterday, March 23, 2026—two units for the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and one for the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT)—strengthening the ability of frontline personnel to save lives during peak travel periods.

The handover builds on the success of the February 24, 2026, Sagip CPR training event titled “Paghahanda Para sa Oplan Biyaheng Ayos 2026: Sagip CPR” at PITX, which trained over 800 transport personnel—including drivers, conductors, terminal staff, security personnel, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) members—turning them into capable first responders.

Led by Rear Admiral Oliver Sy Tanseco PCG and Mr. Patrick Larraga, Corporate Branding and Public Relations Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma, the initiative provided hands-on training in Hands-Only CPR, proper AED use, heart health awareness, illness prevention in public transport settings, and emergency response protocols.

Highlighting the AED intervention, Mr. Patrick Larraga said, “This event is the continuation of the comprehensive training we conducted last February. Today, we are here to ensure the strategic placement of AEDs, increasing the chance of successfully reviving anyone who experiences a cardiac emergency in our transport system.”

On behalf of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez and Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Rear Admiral Tanseco expressed appreciation for the partnership, saying: "The Philippine Coast Guard has always served with heart, and today we are deeply grateful to Bell-Kenz Pharma for providing equipment that strengthens our frontline capabilities. Our PCG has enhanced pre-departure inspections, recognizing that lives matter and every second counts. Rest assured that the PCG, together with DOTr, will ensure the safety and security of all passengers—whether on EDSA, at ports, or aboard ships heading to our provinces. Pusong tapat serbisyo po ng Philippine Coast Guard."

This coordinated effort brought together key stakeholders committed to a protective, reliable, and people-centered transport system: DOTr-SAICT, Bell-Kenz Pharma, PITX, EDSA Bus Carousel Consortia, One Ayala, and others. Aligned with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, the initiative advances the BagongPilipinas vision—where public transportation not only moves people but actively safeguards them.

Through programs like Sagip CPR and the strategic deployment of AEDs, Bell-Kenz Pharma continues to equip millions of Filipinos with lifesaving skills, fostering a culture of proactive safety and emergency preparedness nationwide.

About Bell-Kenz Pharma:

Bell-Kenz Pharma is a Filipino-owned pharmaceutical company dedicated to providing high-quality yet affordable healthcare solutions. Its "Sagip CPR" advocacy is a nationwide campaign to train 1 million Filipinos in Hands-Only CPR. For more information, contact Paula San Esteban at paula.sanesteban@bellkenzpharma.com or visit www.bell-kenz.net.

Follow @bellkenzpharma on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok for updates on our advocacy and initiatives.