Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez hailed the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Council on CPR for embarking on a litany of high-impact cardiopulmonary resuscitation endeavors.
The Council on CPR, chaired by Dr. Don Robespierre Reyes, launched the Philippine CPR Academy, as part of efforts to expand and beef up CPR education and training coverage; on May 26 and 27, 2026, the Precon of the PHA 56th Annual Convention & Scientific Meeting at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City.
Both Remulla and Gomez commended the Council for its crucial role and high-level responsibilities in heart health emergency preparedness and life-saving response efforts.
In a recorded message, Remulla said: “across the country, our barangay health workers, medical responders, disaster teams, and frontline personnel continue to stand at the forefront of public service.”
“Together with the unified 911 system, we continue to improve emergency response capabilities for critical incidents, including cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies,” he added.
Remulla said the launch of the CPR Academy is an important step toward building a culture of preparedness, competence, and compassion in communities.
He also emphasized that every emergency call represents a life that must be protected.
“Behind every emergency call is a Filipino life, a family, and a future worth protecting,” Remulla said.
“We look forward to stronger collaboration with the Philippine Heart Association as we continue working toward healthier, safer, and more resilient communities across the country,” he added.
Gomez, the CPR-ReadyPH Ambassador since 2017 congratulated the officials and members of the PHA-CPR Council for launching the country’s first CPR Academy, calling it a major step forward in public health and safety.
“As an advocate of CPR and AED use, I am honored to have been invited to today’s activity, but unfortunately, I’m unable to be there in person due to my commitments and assignments in Congress today,” Gomez said.“By equipping everyday citizens and professionals with these vital life-saving skills, you are making a profound impact on public health and safety nationwide,” he added.
Gomez also assured the PHA “my office remains open to support initiatives that promote CPR training, AED awareness, and stronger emergency response in the country.”
