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Gov. Elias C. Bulut Jr. framed the opening of the First Northern Luzon Rescuelympics 2026 as a recognition of those who take the front line when disasters strike.
Welcoming participants at the Dacao Dam Section in Lower Maton, Gov. Bulut said the gathering goes beyond competition.
“We are gathered here not just for the competition but to honor a calling of courage. It is with a great honor to welcome the architects of our Regional Resilience and brave souls who serve in the frontline. The heroes who run towards danger when everyone else seeks safety,” he said.
Gov. Bulut pointed to the province’s long-running focus on disaster preparedness, noting that the effort has been sustained for more than a decade.
“We’ve been on this mission for over a decade from sustaining zero casualties from 2013-2015 an achievement that earned us the zero casualty award on the First Gawad Kalasag award in 2016. Pushing even harder as we emerged from the pandemic, and that’s where our dedication came from,” he added.
He also cited Apayao’s response during major typhoons, where the province maintained its target of zero casualties despite severe conditions.
“Our resilience never stops. Our success is not measured by awards but by protecting and saving who can’t protect themselves. To prove our adaptability against the signal number 4 winds of Ompong and the recent force of Marce and Nando were we achieve our goals of zero casualty.”
Gov. Bulut said the province continues to invest in preparedness and coordination, adding that Apayao backed the Rescuelympics with both financial and logistical support.
He also extended the province’s openness to collaboration with neighboring areas.
“We do not set a limit on how far our support reaches and our doors are always open. Apayao is more than just a host but a brother and sisters in this fight carried the spirit of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with you, a spirit that values every life that refuses to break. While nature tested us beyond this disaster, we never stopped fighting.”
The Rescuelympics gathered rescue teams and disaster response units from across Northern Luzon, with events designed to test coordination and field readiness.
