By Jay B. Laurino SP Committee on Health and Sanitation Chairperson Councilor Edwin J. Pureza delivers his privilege speech during the 30th ...
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| SP Committee on Health and Sanitation Chairperson Councilor Edwin J. Pureza delivers his privilege speech during the 30th Regular Session, calling for mandatory CPR training and wider AED deployment in the city. (SP Lucena City) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Saving lives through quick and informed action is now the focus of a proposal raised during the 30th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. A call for a “CPR-Ready na lungsod” was pushed by SP Committee on Health and Sanitation Chairperson Councilor Edwin J. Pureza during his privilege speech.
Pureza said the initiative seeks to strengthen community emergency preparedness by equipping residents with basic life-saving skills and improving survival outcomes during cardiac emergencies. He described the measure as a proactive effort to build a more responsive and capable city that can act quickly and effectively before professional medical help arrives.
Councilor Pureza presented his proposal during the Privilege Hour, stressing the need for a clear and organized program that will help residents respond to sudden cardiac arrest. He said that strong preparation at the local level can greatly improve survival rates, especially when help is given within the first few minutes before medical teams arrive.
In his speech, Pureza explained that cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, whether at home, at work, in school, or in public places. He said the first few minutes after a person collapses are critical in determining survival, as delays can result in permanent brain injury or death.
He reminded the council that cardiac emergencies do not choose their victims and often happen without warning, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. He said community awareness and readiness can mean the difference between life and death, especially when bystanders act confidently before responders arrive.
“Ating pong tandaan na ang cardiac arrest ay hindi pumipili ng oras o lugar,” Pureza said. “Maaaring ito mangyari sa loob ng tahanan, sa palengke, sa paaralan, o sa gitna ng isang pampublikong pagtitipon.”
Pureza also stressed that time is the most important factor when a person stops breathing and the heart stops beating, as every minute without oxygen lowers the chance of survival. He explained that fast action during the first few minutes can greatly improve the person’s chances of recovery and reduce the risk of long-term brain damage.
“Sa unang limang minuto matapos tumigil ang paghinga, bawat segundo ay maaaring maging huling pagkakataon,” he added. “Kaya’t ako po ay nananawagan na ating isulong ang isang komprehensibong programa tungo sa pagiging CPR-Ready na lungsod.”
Pureza highlighted the need for proper chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 pushes per minute, based on standards from the American Heart Association. He also cited Republic Act No. 10871, a national law promoting life-saving training in schools and institutions and integrating basic life support into learning programs.
The councilor proposed mandatory CPR training for teachers, barangay health workers, police officers, and local government employees. He also suggested placing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in busy and high-risk areas such as malls, sports complexes, public markets, and government offices.
According to Pureza, each AED unit may cost between ₱700,000 and ₱1 million depending on the model, features, and technical specifications required for public use. However, he said the cost is worth it if it can save lives and prevent permanent brain damage caused by delayed response.
The council discussed the possibility of passing a local ordinance to formally adopt the program and set clear rules for its implementation and funding. If approved, the plan could position Lucena among local governments actively building a stronger and more prepared emergency response system.
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