Manila: The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) has announced its support for the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) initiative to set up first-aid kiosks across several major tourist destinations. These kiosks, which are staffed by medical professionals, are strategically located in popular areas such as Boracay, La Union, Panglao, Palawan, and Puerto Galera. They are equipped with essential first-aid tools and communication systems designed to provide immediate emergency assistance to travelers.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PHA emphasized the importance of integrating emergency preparedness into the tourism industry to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors. The initiative comes as a response to the increasing number of tourists in Regions 4-A (Calabarzon) and 4-B (Mimaropa), which boast attractions like Taal Volcano, Pagsanjan Falls, Masungi Georeserve, Enchanted Kingdom, and various resorts in Palawan and Puerto Galera.

In line with this, the PHA-Southern Tagalog Chapter has highlighted its commitment to rolling out free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training across barangays, towns, and cities in the region. This initiative supports the national campaign to make Filipino communities CPR-ready, providing skills and access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Ray Albert Cabigan, president of the PHA-Southern Tagalog Chapter, has vowed to expand CPR training through collaborations with local governments, hospitals, and non-governmental organizations. Cabigan also mentioned that the chapter will continue to focus on physician education programs such as Guru 2.0, strengthen community health advocacy, and promote the PHA’s ‘Puso Muna’ (Heart First) healthy lifestyle campaign.