A measure making it mandatory for schools nationwide to conduct cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training has been endorsed by the basic education committee of the House of Representatives for plenary approval.

House Bill 5891 or the proposed CPR Training in Schools Act, is inspired by Philippine basketball legend Avelino “Samboy” Lim, who suffered a heart attack during an exhibition game in November last year.

At that time, no one inside the court knew how to administer CPR. Doctors said had Lim undergone CPR three minutes after his cardiac arrest, his chances of recovery would have been better. Instead, Lim was left in a coma for a few months.

“I would like to call this the Samboy Lim bill in his honor and whose fate became the impetus for the filing of the proposal,” said the bill’s principal sponsor, Pampanga Rep. Joseller Guiao.

“We want to make lifesavers out of the youth today by giving them the training that will make them confident to step up when the need arises,” he added.

HB 5891 makes CPR training a requirement for the graduation of students in all private and public schools.

The measure tasks the Philippine Heart Association to help conduct the CPR training to students.