The competence of health volunteers is irreplaceable in facing disaster risk, Bali Governor Wayan Koster said at the “National Festival of Health Volunteers and Public Safety Center 119” on Tuesday.

“Because of their competence that cannot be replaced by other professionals, health volunteers are needed at every stage of the disaster handling cycle,” Koster said in a statement read by acting chief of the Bali Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), I Made Rentin.

In a release received from the Bali provincial government’s public relations office here on Tuesday, Governor Koster expressed his gratitude to all humanitarian volunteers who have worked voluntarily and sincerely, especially in disaster handling.

He also expressed the hope that the volunteers will remain resilient pioneers of disaster handling in each region and continue to improve their competence and uphold the Panca Darma (five principles) of Disaster Handling Volunteers, namely independence, professionalism, solidarity, synergy, and accountability.

“Volunteers are a representative from the community that are the nation’s resources and asset because volunteers are one of the frontliners in providing services to disaster-affected communities,” he explained.

Disaster risk reduction efforts require a strong commitment from all parties such as the government, the community, the private sector, academicians, and the mass media, Koster said in his statement.

Reading the governor’s statement, Rentin said he welcomed the existence of the health volunteers community, which is considered in line with the Bali provincial government’s vision of Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali, which aims to make Balinese lives healthy and safe from the threat of disasters.

The “National Festival of Health Volunteers and Public Safety Center 119,” which coincided with International Volunteer Day, was themed “Increase Solidarity Through Volunteering” and was enlivened with a poster-creation competition, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) competition, and declaration of commitment to be healthcare reservists.

Source: Antara News