College of Dentistry Conducts BLS-CPR Training to Strengthen Emergency Response Skills

June 18, 2026

Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by: Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit

A Philippine Red Cross instructor demonstrates and guides a University of the Philippines Manila College of Dentistry (UPCD) faculty member on the proper procedures of Basic Life Support (BLS), highlighting hands-on training in essential life-saving techniques during the BLS-CPR training session at the UPCD Auditorium.

The University of the Philippines Manila College of Dentistry (UPCD), in partnership with the UPCD Class of 2002 and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), conducted a three-day Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training for Healthcare Providers on June 3, 10, and 17, 2026, at the UPCD Auditorium.

Organized as part of the service initiatives of the UPCD Class of 2002 in preparation for their Silver Jubilee Homecoming in 2027, the training equipped participants with essential life-saving skills that can be applied in medical emergencies both within and beyond healthcare settings.

A total of 122 participants completed the training across the three sessions. The first session on June 3 was opened to participants outside the UP System and gathered 33 attendees, including UPCD alumni, 5 UP students, and dependents of UP alumni. The second session, held on June 10, was exclusively conducted for UPCD faculty members and academic staff and was attended by 47 participants. The third session on June 17 catered to UPCD academic and non-academic personnel, drawing 42 participants.

In her opening remarks during the final training session, Dr. Laureta underscored the importance of continuously updating emergency response competencies. “Some of us have attended BLS-CPR training before, but we need to review and rehash our skills because we do not know when we will need them. One day, we might need these skills to save a life,” she said.

The training featured lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises facilitated by instructors from the Philippine Red Cross. Participants learned the principles of basic life support, proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques, emergency response procedures, and other critical interventions that can help improve outcomes during medical emergencies. To assess competency, participants completed both practical and written examinations. Successful participants received certificates from the Philippine Red Cross, recognizing their completion of the training and proficiency in basic life support and CPR.

The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the UPCD Class of 2002, the UPCD administration, and the Philippine Red Cross. Beyond commemorating their upcoming Silver Jubilee Homecoming, the alumni-led project reflects the class’s commitment to giving back to the College by helping strengthen the preparedness and emergency response capabilities of the UPCD community.

By bringing together alumni, students, faculty, and staff in a shared learning environment, the training reinforced the importance of readiness, service, and collective responsibility. The program highlighted how timely intervention and well-practiced skills can make a critical difference in saving lives.