In a major push to strengthen emergency preparedness in Philippine sports, Bell-Kenz Pharma and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) joined forces to equip the country’s sports community with life-saving skills of Hands Only CPR through Sagip CPR, Bell-Kenz Pharma’s flagship advocacy.

The initiative draws inspiration from the experience of basketball legend Samboy Lim, whose cardiac arrest during an exhibition game in 2014 helped highlight the critical importance of immediate emergency response that contributed to the passage of  Republic Act No. 10871, or the Basic Life Support Training in Schools Act, popularly known as the Samboy Lim Law.

Anchored in this legislation, Bell-Kenz Pharma, together with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Department of Health (DOH), National Youth Commission, Philippine Life Saving, and the Philippine Coast Guard, conducted Hands-Only CPR and drowning-response training for national athletes, para-athletes, and coaches at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Patrick Larraga, Head of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs of Bell-Kenz Pharma, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to making life-saving skills more accessible to Filipinos, “we are happy to be working with the Philippine Sports Commission, the National Youth Commission, Philippine Life Saving, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Department of Health in advancing this important initiative. Through Sagip CPR, we hope to equip our athletes, coaches, and the broader sports community with the knowledge and confidence to respond to emergencies.”

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio graced the opening of the program, underscoring the Commission’s support for strengthening life-saving readiness and emergency preparedness within the Philippine sports community, “ If we want to grow our water sports in the country, this is what we need to do. “

Walter Francis Torres, Commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission, emphasized, “ Our goal is to empower the sports community to be first responders, underscoring the value of equipping athletes, coaches, and sports personnel with practical life-saving skills that can make a difference when every second counts.”

Aligning with national health objectives, Dr. Alexis Dimapilis from the Department of Health noted, “the goal of the Department of Health is to have at least one member of each family oriented in CPR .”

Reflecting on the deeper purpose of the advocacy and partnership with PSC,  Mr. Larraga emphasized “in sports, we celebrate the victories that happen on the playing field. But there is no greater victory than saving a life. Being a champion is not just about winning games—it is also about having the ability to save lives. “

An Essential Skill and Sustainable Livelihood

A key highlight of the drowning module tests the athletes on preventive measures and proper procedures for responding to drowning emergencies. These skills are not only crucial in CPR, but are key skills for other roles.

In addition to Bell-Kenz Pharma and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the initiative is supported by Philippine Life Saving, an internationally recognized organization that provides lifeguard certifications and promotes best practices in water safety and rescue operations.

Philippine Life Saving’s work also demonstrates how water-safety training can create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. In Panglao, Bohol, former fishermen were trained in aquatic rescue operations and developed skills to work as scuba divers at popular marine attractions. Emphasizing the long term impact of this partnership Mr. Danilo Salonga Jr., Philippine Life Saving, said  “we are committed to produce 75,000 lifesavers”.

This underscores how emergency preparedness can extend beyond immediate crisis response, contributing to safer aquatic destinations and opening pathways to livelihood opportunities for communities that depend on tourism.

As sports organizations, government institutions, and private-sector work together, the initiative reinforces the importance of shared responsibility in protecting lives—whether in stadiums, training facilities, sports complexes, or other public spaces.

For more information about Bell-Kenz Sagip CPR, visit https://www.bell-kenz.net/