SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, July 16 -- Antique's Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is set to become the province's assessment center for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority's (TESDA) Lifeguard Services National Certificate (NC) II program.

TESDA-Antique Director Rick Abraham said Thursday the PDRRMO has the personnel and capability to assess trainees seeking national certification as lifeguards.

"We need to offer the Lifeguard Services NC II program in Antique because of our long coastline and mountain resorts," Abraham said in an interview.

Antique has 15 coastal municipalities and several inland resorts that attract local and foreign tourists, increasing the need for trained lifeguards...