The newly formed Capiz-Aklan chapter of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) will revive the CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on Wheels and Wings (CWW) program in Boracay Island.

The initiative is a joint advocacy of the group of cardiologists and the Department of Tourism (DOT), which started back in 2016, but took a backseat during the pandemic.

The campaign targets to equip health workers and non-medical individuals — including drivers, students, resort staffand vendors — with hands-only CPR in case of sudden cardiac arrest.

“The PHA national council on CPR and Capiz-Aklan chapter will spearhead the revival of the CWW, aimed to transform the country’s tourist destinations into CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED)-ready communities and establishments,” said newly minted chapter president, Dr. Rommel Mosquete, in a statement released by the PHA on Wednesday.

He said cardiovascular disease is the leading health menace in the Philippines and around the world.

“A cardiac arrest victim has to be revived within four to six minutes to prevent irreversible neurologic or brain damage. That is why knowledge of hands-only CPR among bystanders or a witness is crucial to save a life while waiting for the ambulance to arrive,” Mosquete added.

The chapter targets to hold the training in February 2026.

During the three-day training in October 2016, around 550 participants were trained in partnership with the local government of Malay through its Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Boracay Foundation and DOT.

Meanwhile, Mosquete took his oath as president of the Aklan and Capiz chapter before PHA national president Dr. Walid Amid in a ceremony in Roxas City on Sunday.

The chapter has 13 cardiologist members who previously served under PHA Western Visayas–Panay.

They now operate as the 15th provincial chapter of the PHA. (PNA)