Sagip CPR to train up to 1,000 during cerebral palsy awareness week

The proposed activity will expand access to lifesaving skills among persons with disabilities, their families, caregivers, local government personnel, and partner organizations.

Bell-Kenz Pharma joined the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the Cerebral Palsied Association of the Philippines, Inc. (CPAP) on Tuesday, August 18 to discuss preparations for the 23rd Cerebral Palsy Awareness and Protection Week.

During the virtual meeting, Bell-Kenz, led by Corporate Branding and Public Relations Head Patrick Larraga, presented its proposed Sagip CPR training, which is expected to equip around 500 to 1,000 participants with Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and essential emergency-response skills in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

The proposed activity will form part of the observance scheduled for September 16 to 22, 2026, pursuant to Proclamation No. 588, series of 2004.

This year’s observance carries the theme, “One Shared Voice, One Collective Choice: Advocacy to Empowerment,” highlighting the importance of collective action in advancing the rights, participation, safety, and well-being of persons with cerebral palsy.

Representatives from NCDA, CPAP, Bell-Kenz Pharma, and other partner organizations participated in the meeting to discuss the weeklong celebration and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Bell-Kenz Pharma Public Affairs Head Anna Leah Morales stressed the importance of making lifesaving education more accessible and inclusive, particularly for persons with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.

The proposed Sagip CPR training aims to make lifesaving knowledge more accessible to persons with disabilities, their families, caregivers, disability-sector organizations, and other community partners. 

The program will cover the recognition of cardiac emergencies, proper performance of Hands-Only CPR, activation of emergency medical services, and basic use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Participants will also be given an opportunity to apply what they have learned through guided demonstrations and supervised CPR practice.

The initiative supports the broader goal of building inclusive and CPR-ready communities by ensuring that persons with disabilities and the people who support them are included in emergency-preparedness programs.

Sagip CPR is the flagship advocacy of Bell-Kenz Pharma, which aims to equip one million Filipinos with the knowledge and confidence to respond to cardiac emergencies. Since its launch, the advocacy has trained more than 50,000 Filipinos nationwide, including public servants, healthcare workers, emergency responders, educators, and community members.

The proposed partnership builds on earlier discussions between Bell-Kenz Pharma and NCDA on expanding CPR education within the disability sector. It also recognizes the important role of caregivers, families, government agencies, and civil-society organizations in responding effectively during emergencies.

Other activities proposed for the observance include a kickoff event on September 16 featuring a Holy Mass, opening program, talent showcase for persons with disabilities, and gift-giving activity. An online medical discussion on cerebral palsy is also scheduled for September 18.

Through the proposed activity, the partners seek to ensure that the celebration goes beyond raising awareness by providing participants with practical skills that can help protect lives and strengthen community preparedness.