Consequent to the prevalence of natural disasters, the Council of Youth for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CYSTEM) kicked off ANDAM 2024 Basic Disaster Preparedness training program. 

Flagged with the theme “Be Ready, Choose Security; Equipping the Youth with Fundamental Knowledge and Skills on Emergency Response”, CYSTEM, the parent organization of the STEM department took proactive steps to ensure that the students are prepared for any potential hazards through inviting speakers from the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of Iriga on the event that was held last 24th of May at the University Forum.

It is divided into four sessions, 1st session focuses on reducing risk, the 2nd session on first-aid, the 3rd session on bandaging technique, and the 4th session on basic life support. 

The morning speakers Leo Jermin C. Ibarreta RM, RN, EMT-B, SO1, MANDR(UE), and Adrian Leroi A. Andalis LPT Training Staff, highlighted how preparedness and first-aid knowledge can reduce the risk that a certain hazard brings. "We cannot totally eradicate disasters, but we can reduce disaster risk," said Ibarreta. 

In the afternoon, Christy Guadalupe SO1, Shiena Mae T. Periabras EMT-B, SO1, Gilenor P. Fajardo, and Kent Julius P. Peñones SO1, focus on practical demonstration of bandaging techniques and basic life support such as CPR, with hands-on participation of the attendees. 

With the potential hazards everywhere, this initiative is a crucial opportunity for the USANT students to be equipped with the basic knowledge and skills to respond effectively when faced with disaster.